1 

a.- 

1 

1!    1 

If 

U    1 

i 

r 
limi'!ij!!iii;;i-*"! 

Division  ^Xfe^ 
Section 


'laftskrg  §ap&t  ^ss0dsti(jit, 


FROM  1781  TO  185S; 


WITH  SOME  ACCOITNT  OF   THE  ASSOCIATIONS  FORMED 
FROM  IT,  AND  A  TABULAR  VIEW  OF  THEIR  ANNUAL  MEETINGS 


TO  ■WHICH  IS  ADDED 


AN    APPENDIX, 


EMBEAOINQ  SKETCHES  OF  THE  MOST  EEOENT  CUTTKOHES  IN  THE  BODT,    WITH 
BIOSBAPmO  SKETCHES  OF  BOMB  OF  THE  OLDEB  MIN1STEB8,  AND  THE  STA- 
TISTICS OF  MOST  OF  THE  0HUBCHE8  EVKB  IN  THE  ASSOCIATION, 
AND  THEIB  DIBEOT  BEANCHES,  TO  THE  PBE8ENT  TIUE. 


COMPILED   AT  THE   REQUEST    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION, 

BY  STEPHEN  WRIGHT. 


TROY,  N.  Y. : 

A.  G.  JOHNSON,  STEAM  PRESS  PRINTER,  CANNON  PLACE. 
1853. 


PREFACE 


The  Divine  proverb  saye,  '  Of  making  many  books  there  is  no  end.' 
It  is  customary ,  therefore,  in  presenting  a  new  book,  to  preface  it  with 
an  apology  for  its  intrusion  upon  the  pnblic  attention,  or  some  ac- 
count of  the  circumstances  that  originated  it.  The  compiler  of  this 
work  would  give  the  following  account  of  its  origin,  and  of  his  con- 
nection with  it,  as  his  apology  for  multiplying  the  number  of  books 
■with  which  the  world  is  filled. 

A  little  over  twenty-five  years  ago,  an  effort  was  made  to  gather 
the  materials  and  compile- an  account  of  the  origin  and  progress  of 
the  Shaftsbury  Baptist  Association.  The  first  record  of  this  effort  is 
in  the  following  words,  in  the  minutes  of  the  year  1825. — "  Resolved, 
That  Elders  Hull,  Mattison,  and  Mallery,  be  a  committee  to  collect 
all  the  information  possible  respecting  the  origin  and  progress  of  this 
association,  and  report  at  the  next  session."  This  commission  con- 
tinued from  year  to  year,  with  the  addition  of  several  names  to  fill 
vacancies, — such  as  Tinkham,  Hubbell  and  Keach, — until  1832,  when, 
at  their  own  request,  the  committee  were  discharged,  having  accom- 
plished nothing,  as  we  suppose,  worthy  of  publication.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  however,  that  the  venerable  Hull,  who,  at  that  time  could 
have  furnished  a  good  account  of  its  rise  and  progress  for  more  than 
fifty  years,  mostly  from  personal  knowledge,  declined  a  service  which 
would  have  greatly  aided  this  present  effort.  But  the  failure  of  that 
commission  suffered  many  facts  to  pass  into  oblivion,  that  would  have 
been  invaluable  to  the  object  of  this  work. 

At  the  sixty-eighth  session  of  the  Association  in  1848,  with  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Manchester,  Vt.,  the  subject  was  moved  again,  and 
a  committee  raised  to  secure  the  accomplishment  of  this  much  desired 
work.  Of  this  commission,  Elder  Justin  A.  Smith,  then  pastor  of  the 
second  Baptist  Church  in  Bennington,  and  Hon.  Nathan  H.  Bottom 
long  a  member  of  the  centre  Shaftsbury  church,  were  active  members. 
They  labored  to  secure  a  file  of  the  minutes  of  the  Association,  and 
other  necessary  matter  for  the  work.  But  in  the  summer  of  1849, 
Elder  Smith  removed  from  the  bounds  of  the  association,  leaving  the 
work  in  the  hands  of  his  associate.  Judge  Bottom.  At  the  seventieth 
session  of  the  Body  held  with  the  first  Baptist  church  in  Benning- 
ton, the  following  action  is  recorded  in  the  minutes  :  "  Voted,  That 
Brethren    I.  Mattison,  N.   H.  Bottom  and  S.  Wright  be  a  committee 


IV  PllEFACE. 

^o  prepnre  a  History  of  this  associatiou  as  far  as  possible,  to  present 
at  our  next  anuual  session." — (Min.  of  1850,  page  4.)  Thus  was  the 
compiler,  then  about  settling  as  pastor  of  the  Manchester  Baptist 
Church,  connected  with  this  work  as  he  supposed,  only  to  fill  the 
compliment  of  three,  usual  in  such  committees.  But  Elder  Mattison, 
for  reasons  he  counted  sufficient,  declined  all  action  in  the  case.  And 
before  any  thing  definite  had  been  accomplished,  the  year  had  almost 
rolled  us  round  to  the  next  anniversary  of  the  body.  The  engage- 
ments of  the  other  member  of  the  commission  were  such  that  he  could 
do  little  towards  the  accomplishment  of  the  labor  expected.  He  there- 
fore urgently  requested  its  junior  member  to  take  the  materials,  and 
prepare  a  report  for  the  committee  to  present  to  the  Association  to 
meet  the  first  of  June  in  North  Bennington.  With  a  deep  sense  of 
his  uiadequacy  for  the  task,  the  compiler  of  this  work  thus  under- 
took the  labor  which  he  had  supposed  his  seniors  would  have  done ; 
and  from  their  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  affairs  of  the  body 
for  many  years, — have  done  so  much  better  than  he  could  possibly 
hope  to  perform  it. 

But  in  looking  over  the  materials  collected,  a  great  deficiency 
was  discovered.  The  file  of  minutes  was  very  imperfect,  lacking 
several  of  the  earlier  copies,  especially  for  the  first  15  or  20  years, 
and  some  still  later  ;  and  what  could  be  done,  or  how  to  begin, — 
without  the  foundation  for  the  work  which  these  earlier  records  only 
could  supply, was  the  embarrassing  question  in  his  mind.  Things  re- 
mained at  this  pass  till  a  few  days  before  the  Association  was  to 
meet,  when,  very  providentially,  most  of  the  minutes  that  were 
wanting  came  to  his  knowledge,  among  the  records  of  the  BottskiU 
church  in  Greenwich,  Washington  Co.  N.  Y. 

And  here  the  compiler  would  suggest  that  the  clerk  of  every 
church,  as  well  as  of  every  association,  be  authorized  by  a  standing 
rule  of  the  body  he  serves,  to  file  among  his  records  one  copy  at  least 
of  the  annual  minutes  of  the  association  to  which  he  belongs,  for  fu- 
ture reference  and  use.  It  would  be  a  very  easy  duty,  if  done  at 
once,  when  the  minutes  come  first  to  hand,  and  might  be  of  invaluable 
service  to  the  church  and  the  interests  of  religion  in  after  years. 

Stimulated  anew  to  his  work,  by  this  acquisition,*  the  compiler 
prepared  a  brief  report,  sketching  in  a  cursory  manner  the  rise  and 
progress  of  the  Association  from  the  first,  with  some  allusion  to  re- 
vivals and  ministers,  who  lived  yet  in  the  memory  of  some  of  the 
present  Fathers  and  Mothers  of  the  Body.  It  was  expected  that  the 
revision  and  printing  of  this  Report  in  the  minutes  of  the  current 
year,  would  fulfil  the  duties  of  the  committee  and  release  them  from 

*  The  minutes  attained  in  tliis  manner,  were  for  the  years  1786,  probably  the 
first  ever  printed,  1788,  89, 1791,  93,  94,  9G,  97,  and  98,  nearly  every  one  of  which 
were  wanting  before.  With  a  subsequent  addition  of  the  minutes  for  the  years 
1801  and  1804,  our  file  is  perfect  from  1786  save  for  the  years  1787, 1790  and  9^ 
These  have  never  yet  been  found,  after  the  most  diligent  search  in  the  oldest  Bap- 
tist families.  And  yet  they  may  he  extant,  and  sliould  be  added  to  our  file  il  pos- 
Bible,  and  all  be  preserved. 


PREFACE. 


further  labor.  But  the  reading  of  the  report  awakened  a  desire  for 
more  labor  to  be  done,  as  the  following  action,  recorded  upon  page 
sixth  of  the  minutes  of  1851  will  show: 

"Resolved,  That  we  request  the  Committee  on  History  to  cause 
to  be  published  one  thousand  or  more  copies  of  the  History  of  this 
Association  ;  and  that  we  will  indemnify  said  committee  against  ar- 
rearages, if  any,  which  may  accrue  from  its  publication.  The  loss 
to  be  apportioned  among  the  several  churches  of  the  association  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  members  in  each." 

The  above  action,  with  other  expressions  of  encouragement  from  his 
brethren,  assured  the  compiler  that  he  should  not  be  left  to  labor  un- 
sustained  in  the  arduous  work.  And  as  advisory  help.  Elders  D. 
Tinkham  of  White  Creek,  Wm.  Arthur,  then  of  Hooiick,  and  Elon 
Galuslia,  formerly  of  Shaftsbury,  though  now  of  Lockport,  in  western 
New  York,  (who  was  present  at  this  meeting,)  were  associated  with 
the  committee.  Under  such  auspices  were  this  commission  charged 
to  malce  a  book  which  should  tell  of  the  deeds  of  Jehovah  among  the 
churches  of  the  Old  Shaftsbm-y  Association. 

And  yet  from  various  circumstances  the  chief  labor  fell  upon  the 
junior  member.  But  still  materials  quite  necessary  to  the  correct 
illustration  of  the  work  were  wanting,  and  efforts  were  made  for 
months,  to  secure  them,  almost  entirely  without  success,  only  as  by 
personal  application  they  were  collected. 

Amidst  the  cares  of  an  active  pastorate,  at  Manchester  and  "Whi- 
ting, Vt.,  to  which  latter  place  the  compiler  removed  in  the  spring 
of  1852, — has  the  work  advanced  toward  completion  during  the  past 
two  years.  The  double  labor  of  compiling  this  work,  and  performing 
the  duties  of  a  pastor,  though  in  a  small  diurch,  had  become  onerous, 
and  hence  the  compiler  felt  that  he  must  do  the  one  thing,  or  Uie 
oth^r.  Either  publish  and  circulate  the  work,  and  thus  make  it  pay 
for  itself,  or  else  lay  it  aside  as  a  valueless  mass  of  manuscript  that 
would  not  pay  for  the  printing,  and  give  his  time  and  energies  more 
directly  to  other  duties.  The  latter,  on  various  accounts,  would  have 
been  more  desirable  to  him  personally ;  but  an  expectation  had 
been  awakened  that  the  work  was  forthcoming;  much  labor  had 
already  been  done  that  would  thus  be  lost ;  and  the  difficulty  of  ever 
rescuing  from  oblivion  many  important  facts  connected  with  the 
rise  and  progress  of  this  venerable  association  and  its  ministers,  would 
be  increased; — hence  a  moral  obligation  seemed  to  be  laid  upon  him  to 
go  forward  in  the  work. 

Besides  making  the  matter  of  his  duty  a  subject  of  frequent  and 
fervent  prayer  to  God,  the  compiler  in  April  last  spent  some  time 
in  traversing  portions  of  the  territory  of  the  Association,  to  consult 
with  brethren,  and  secure  greater  accuracy  in  regard  to  some  facts 
and  events  connected  with  the  work.  From  the  assurances  given 
every  where  in  favor  of  its  publication,  by  ministering  and  other 
brethren,  to  whom  he  exhibited  the  work  in  manuscript,  he  felt  that 
Providence  called  him  to  go  forward  and  fulfil  as  speedily  as  possi- 
ble the  commission  of  bis  brethren,  by  publishing  and  circulating  the 
book. 


VI  PREFACE. 

The  work  has  grown  to  a  much  larger  volume  than  the  little  hand 
book  of  facta  and  incidents  first  talked  of.  But  in  no  other  way 
could  he  do  reasonable  justice  to  the  Theme  given  him,  nor  dispose  of 
the  materials  that  had  accumulated  upon  his  hands.  The  character  of 
these  materials  was  such,  and  the  territory  for  the  circulation  of  the 
work  so  extended,  that  it  was  thought  best  to  give  wider  scope  to 
the  design  of  the  book. 

First  we  give  the  annals  of  the  Association  from  year  to  year, 
divided  for  greater  convenience  to  the  reader,  into  chapters  of  ten 
years  each.  This  makes  seven  chapters,  and  with  an  additional  chap- 
ter, brie%  rehearsing  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  adjacent  associations 
that  have  been  formed  mostly,  or  in  considerable  part  from  this  mother 
of  associations,  forms  the  body  of  the  work. 

Interspersed  among  these  chapters  may  be  found  some  of  the 
older  circular  and  corresponding  letters,  which  will  be  read  with  in- 
terest we  trust  by  many  who  have  known  personally,  or  lieard  pro- 
nounced the  names  of  a  Barber,  Blood,  Covell,  Cornell,  Hubbell,  Hull, 
Kendrick,  Lee,  Leland,  Peck,  Powers,  Warren,  Webb,  Werden  and 
Witherell ;  whose  voices  will  echo  from  these  pages,  and  stir  anew 
the  souls  of  many  who  shall  read  them.  It  may  be  thus  said  em- 
phatically of  each  of  these  worthies  of  a  former  age,  "  He  being  dead 
yet  speaketh."  In  the  body  of  the  work  will  be  found  also  soma  ac- 
counts of  revivals,  from  the  pens  of  those  fathers  who  labored  in  them. 
But  being  men  of  more  practical  labor  than  literary  leisure,  they 
wrote  but  few  accounts  at  length,  of  those  deeds  of  grace  wrought  by 
the  hand  of  God  in  their  day,  only  garnering  up  in  the  pages  of  their 
printed  minutes  from  year  to  year,  the  simple  statistical  facts  which 
record  the  results  of  their  labor.  Once  in  ten  years,  it  will  be  seen, 
we  give  the  statistics  of  the  whole  association  just  as  published  in  the 
annual  minutes.  The  design  of  the  body  of  the  work  is  to  give  a  con- 
densed view  of  the  matter  to  be  found  in  the  whole  series  of  the 
minutes  for  a  period  of  more  than  seventy  years.  A  tabular  view  of 
all  the  annual  meetings  of  the  several  associations  will  interest  many 
who  shall  look  them  over,  as  well  as  the  statistics  in  the  appendix, 
we  doubt  not.  In  the  body  of  the  work  will  be  found  obituary  no- 
tices of  a.  few  of  the  ministers  who  died  while  members  of  the  asso- 
ciation, and  of  whom  enough  authentic  information  could  hardly  be 
gathered  to  constitute  a  sketch,  such  as  we  give  of  others  in  the  ap- 
pendix. 

An  Appendix  has  been  prepared  with  much  care  and  labor,  that 
will  garner  up  many  interesting  facts,  incidents  and  reminiscences, 
that  might  otherwise  have  perished  from  the  knowledge  of  this 
generation. 

The  Appendix  is  divided  into  three  sections,  each  embracing  a 
distinct  class  of  matter.  Section  first  gives  brief  historic  sketches 
of  the  seven  churches  that  were  members  of  the  association  when 
this  work  was  first  undertaken,  prepared  carefully  from  authen- 
t  ic  sources  ;  and  closing  up  with  a  tabular  view  of  all  the  churches 
that  have  ever  been  connected  with  this  body,  and  the  length  of  such 
connection. 


PREFACE.  VII 


Section  second,  embraces  Bioj^raphical  sketchea  of  twenty-one  of  the 
aged  ministers,  two  of  them  still  living,  who  have  acted  a  conspicu- 
ous part  in  the  business  of  the  body,  or  attained  to  great  age  and 
usefulness  in  their  day.  This  section  also  closes  with  a  tabular  view 
of  the  names  of  all  the  ordained  ministers  that  ever  were  connected 
with  the  churches  in  the  association,  and  the  time  of  their  connection. 

Section  third  embodies  a  series  of  Tables,  extending  through  many 
of  the  closing  pages  of  the  work,  that  give  a  statistical  view  of  niost 
of  the  churches  that  have  ever  been  connected  with  the  Association, 
and  the  branch  churches  that  have  sprung  from  the  Shaftsbury 
stock.  In  these  church  Tables  the  reader  may  see  the  succes- 
sion of  Pastors,  with  the  statistical  condition  of  each  church  from  year 
to  year  on  a  single  page  or  two  before  his  eye,  so  far  as  we  have  been 
able  to  obtain  the  files  of  minutes.  For  want  of  room,  we  have  left 
out  of  this  section  the  names  of  a  few  churches  that  were  in  the  body 
but  a  few  years,  and  whose  location  is  so  far  distant,  that  we  can- 
not liope  to  profit  them  by  the  circulation  of  the  work  among  them. 
And  in  one  or  two  cases  we  have  given  the  statistics  of  a  church  never 
actually  connected  with  the  body,  because  it  lay  duectly  in  our  way, 
or  as  in  the  case  of  the  Salem  Baptist  church,  because  its  Pastor 
was  an  active  minister  in  the  Association.  We  trust  this  feature  of 
the  work  will  give  satisfaction. 

The  statistics  of  some  of  the  churches,  it  will  be  seen  are  defective, 
but  it  is  enough  to  say,  we  follow  the  printed  minutes,  unless  there 
is  some  obvious  error,  easy  of  correction.  In  regard  to  the  moniea 
credited  to  each  in  these  tables,  from  year  to  year,  we  would  simply 
remark  that  it  was  difficult  sometimes  to  determine  to  what  church, 
some  individual  contributors  belonged,  whose  names  are  printed. — 
When  the  Association  met  with  a  given  church,  the  public  collections 
taken  for  all  purposes  at  that  session,  are  credited  to  that  church. 
Often  a  church  made  no  report  of  monies  to  the  association,  when  they 
gave  liberally  for  different  objects.  The  highest  attainable  accuracy 
is  secured,  we  trust. 

It  is  hoped  the  various  matter  contained  in  this  book,  as  well  as 
the  order  of  its  arrangement,  will  commend  it  to  the  favorable  re- 
gard of  a  generous  public,  and  not  only  gratify  a  laudable  desire  to 
know  what  were  the  labors  and  success  of  our  ancestors  in  this  region, 
but  extend  the  circulation  of  the  work  so  far  as  to  pay  the  cost  of  its 
publication. 

The  compiler  knows  of  no  similar  work  now  extant.  The  re-print- 
ing of  the  minutes  of  the  Philadelphia  Association  in  1850  for  the 
first  100  years  of  its  existence,  by  the  American  Baptist  Publica- 
tion Society  in  Philadelphia,  edited  by  Rev.  A  D.  Gillette,  was  a 
worthy  act,  and  deserves  the  patronage  of  our  denomination.  But 
this  is  a  simple  reprint.  And  in  the  same  year,  the  Cayuga  Baptist 
Association  in  central  New  York  published  a  history  of  their  affairs 
for  the  first  fifty  years  of  their  existence  in  a  12  mo.  volume  of  214 
pages,  that  is  a  valuable  contribution  also  to  our  Baj)tist  historical 
literature.  It  gives  the  annals  of  the  body  briefly,  n.s  we  have  done, 
anJ  extracts  of  circular  aiul    church  letters,  in  some  instances,  that 


VIII  PREFACE, 

are  valuable,  with  historic  sketches  of  the  various  churches  iu  the 
body  in  1850,  with  Tables  of  churches  and  ministers,  quite  useful 
doubtless  to  those  living  on  their  own  territory.  But  the  compiler 
of  tliis  work  flatters  himself,  that  the  arrangement  of  the  Tables  m  this 
volume  is  so  convenient  as  to  present  a  larger  amount  of  statistical 
matter  than  usual  in  so  small  a  space. 

The  work  does  not  claim  to  be  perfect.  Of  faults,  doubtless,  like 
all  human  efforts,  it  will  be  found  to  have  its  share.  Some  errors  of 
the  press  have  escaped  the  vigilance  of  the  proof-reading  ;  but  they  are 
so  unimportant  as  to  need  no  special  correction.  In  one  instance  on 
page  60,  the  southern  Associations  are  said  to  have  sent  Ministkes, 
instead  of  i/n'jmies  to  this  body  in  correspondence.  But  these  minor 
errors,  every  candid  reader  will  either  correct  at  sight,  or  overlook  as 
of  small  moment. 

But  of  fads,  we  trust  the  work  will  be  found  full.  And  fads 
too,  that  will  interest  and  profit.  The  circular  and  other  letters 
will  be  as  voices  from  the  dead,  speaking  among  us,  from  the  graves 
of  the  long-departed,  but  noble  ancestors  of  many  now  on  the  stage  of 
action.  The  statistics  of  the  churches  published  every  tenth  year 
will  revive  the  memory  of  the  many  worthies,  who  were  "the  mes- 
sengers of  the  churches  and  the  glory  of  Christ ;"  while  these  pages 
v^ill  tell  of  Lai'ge  accessions,  in  some  of  those  "years  of  the  right 
hand  of  the  Most  High,"  lo  many  of  the  churches. 

In  regard  to  the  Biographical  sketches,  it  may  be  proper  to  say  the 
compiler  has  done  what  he  cjuld  with  limited  information,  to  fill  this 
department  of  the  work.  His  acknowledgements  are  due  to  various 
brethren  and  friends  for  their  kind  aid  and  counsel  towards  the  com- 
pletion of  the  task  laid  upon  him.  To  Plon.  N.  IL  Bottom,  his  asso- 
ciate on  the  committee,  are  his  special  ackiiowledgements  due,  both 
for  counsel  and  for  a  timely  contribution  of  pecuniary  aid,  while  he 
was  disabled  by  great  physical  weakness  from  taking  any  active  part 
in  completing  the  work.  May  his  valuable  life  be  spared  for  many 
years,  to  enjoy  and  serve  in  the  cause  of  Clnist. 

In  conclusion,  the  compiler  hopes  for  the  indulgence  of  his  readers, 
towards  the  imperfections  of  this  effort  to  serve  his  generation  by  the 
use  of  his  pen.  May  he  not  hope  that  however  defective  it  may  be, 
through  the  blessing  of  God  upon  its  circulation,  the  labor  of  its 
compilation,  will  not  have  licen  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  For  this  let  every 
devout  reader  pray. 

TnoY,  N.  Y.,  July,  1853.  S.  \V. 


CONTEJSfTS. 


CHAPTER  I— Page  IS. 


FiKST  Decade  of  Yeahs. — General  remarks  on  the  early  Baptist  Associations  ia. 
the  United  States,  rormatlon  of  this  jigsociation.  Its  earlier  churches.  First 
printed  minutes.  Session  of  17SS.  Curious  doctrinal  question  answered.  Sessioa 
of  1789.  The  first  Circular  Letter,  by  Elder  Blood.  Sessions  of  1790,  '91.  An 
aecession  of  400  in  one  year.  Items  of  business.  Another  Circular,  distiugnish- 
Ing  the  power  of  Churches  and  Associations.  Statistical  view  of  the  ckurches 
iQlTQL 

CHAPTER  II.— Page  37. 

■Second  Deoadb  op  Ybaes. — General  remarks.  Sessions  of  1792,  '93.  E.-^tracts 
from  Elder  Leland's  Circular.  Delegation  to  the  General  Committee,  Session 
of  1794.  Good  suggestion  respecting  the  printing  of  the  Minutes  of  Associa- 
tions. Extracts  from  Elder  Webb's  Circular,  on  the  Agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Session  of  1795.  General  concert  of  prayer  recommended.  Circular  by  Elder  L. 
Powers,  on  the  Commission  and  Reward  of  Ministers.  Session  of  1796.  Origin 
of  the  Otsego  Association.  Revivals  in  some  of  the  churches.  Corresponding 
Letter  by  Elder  Leland.  Session  of  1797.  Lai'ge  accession  at  Hartford.  Cu- 
rious advertisement  of  an  impostor.  Session  of  1798.  The  subject  of 
Free-Masonry  noticed.  Session  of  1799.  Division  of  the  Body  talked  o£ 
Letter  of  Elder  Blood  concerning  a  revival  In  Shaftsbury.  Care  of  the 
Association  in  extending  its  correspondence.  Corresponding  Letter  of  Elder 
Cornell.  Session  of  1800.  Table  of  the  state  of  the  churches.  Comparative 
views  of  the  strength  of  the  Body.  Great  revival  In  Cheshire  and  Berlin. 
Elder  Leland's  Letter.  Various  revivals  noticed.  Baptists  persecuted  in  Par- 
tridgefield  church.  Other  persecutions  noticed.  A  general  Conference  of  Bap- 
tists in  the  whole  Union  proposed.  Struggles  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in 
Troy.  Their  subsequent  growth  and  present  condition.  Circular  of  Elder  Bar- 
ber, on  Humility. 

CHAPTER  III.— Paqb  76. 

Thied  Decade  or  Teaes. — General  remarks.  Session  of  1801.  Queries  from 
several  churches  answered.  Instance  of  public  retraction  in  an  Association. 
Rise  of  Missionary  efforts  in  the  Body.  Circular  by  Elder  Lee.  Session  of  1802. 
Comparative  size  of  the  various  churches.  Partridgefleld  church  again.  The 
plan  for  Domestic  Missionary  eflbrt.  Session  of  1803.  Reports  of  Missionary 
labor.  Various  questions  entertained.  Opinion  of  the  Association  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Free-Masonry.  Death  of  Elder  Haskens,  of  Savoy.  Session  of  1804.  Re- 
port of  Elder  Covell  and  Warren's  Missionary  tour.  Saratoga  Association 
formed.  Elder  Blood's  Circular  on  the  Deacmi'a  office.  Death  of  Eld.  Nichols, 
of  Pownal.  Session  of  1805.  Thirteen  churches  dismissed  at  once  to  the  new 
Saratoga  Body.     Elder  Gorton's  report  of  Missionary  labor.  Aid  to  Elder  Throop* 


CONTENTS. 


Tinder  the  loss  of  his  house  by  fire.  List  of  Missionary  collections.  Session  of 
1S06.  Strength  of  the  Association,  after  the  loss  of  tlie  Saratoga  churches.  Ee- 
ports  of  Missionary  labor  in  Vermont  and  Upper  Canada.  Talk  of  the  Tusca- 
rora  Indians,  answered.  Eevisal  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Body.  Death  of  El- 
der Clabk  BoftEKS,  of  Hancock.  Session  of  1S07.  Query  of  the  Sd  Cheshire 
church  answered.  Growth  of  the  Missionary  work.  Death  of  the  lamented 
OovELL,  during  his  third  tour  to  Upper  Canada.  Sketch  of  his  life.  Death  of 
Elder  Baens,  of  2d  Canaan.  F.irewell  of  Elders  Blood  and  "Werden.  Session  of 
180S.  Another  church  added  from  Canada.  An  excellent  session.  Cu'cular  on 
Pbatke,  by  Elder  Mattison.  Notice  of  Elder  Weedbn's  death.  Session  of  1809. 
Circular  by  Elder  Webb.  Session  of  1810.  Revival  mercies.  Elder  N.  Ken- 
drick's  address  on  Missions.  Aid  to  the  little  band  of  Baptists  in  Albany.  Ses- 
sion of  1811.  Statiistical  condition  of  the  churches.  Eevivals  in  Shaftsbury  and 
Hoosick.  Elder  Glass'  letter.  Missionary  aftairs  of  the  Bodj'.  Closing  remarks 
on  the  events  of  this  chapter.  Deaths  of  seven  Ministers  in  the  period  of  ten 
years. 

CHAPTER  IV.— Page  1S2. 

Fourth  Decade  of  Yeaks. — General  remarks  on  this  period.  Session  of  1812. 
Great  revival  in  Berlin  church.  Troubles  in  2d  Clieshive  church.  Eeport  of 
Elder  Hascall  and  Andrew's  Missionary  lours.  Death  of  Elder  James  Glass,  of 
Hoosicic  Session  of  181-3.  An  Incitement  to  more  liberal  contributions  for  mia- 
Eions.  Ordination  services.  Death  of  Elder  E.  IIakris,  of  Nassau.  Session  of 
1814  Extract  from  the  Circular  Letter  of  Elder  Warren.  Death  of  Elder  John 
Francis,  of  Pittsfleld,  and  Elder  Blood,  at  Portland,  Mo.,  noticed.  Session  of 
1815.  The  foreign  Missionary  work  claiming  attention.  Imposter  advertised. 
Ordinjition  of  Elder  Elon  Galusha,  at  Sh.iftsbury.  Session  ot  181t\  Account  of 
a  revival  in  Troy,  by  Elder  Waylimd.  Notices  of  revivals  in  other  phaces.  Do- 
mestic Missionary  labors.  Three  churches  dismissed.  Session  of  1817.  Largo 
showers  of  grace  at  Egremont,  Hillsdale,  and  Stephentown.  The  Cheshire  diffi- 
culty again.  Elder  Leland's  schedule  of  Articles  disfellowshipped.  Copy  of 
these  Articles.  Eesolutions  in  favor  of  Foreign  Missions.  Ke-ordinatlon  of  min- 
Jsters,  on  a  new  settlement.  Table  of  Corresponding  Associations.  Session  of  ' 
1818.  Naifies  of  young  mini.?ters  coming  upon  the  stage.  Corresponding  Letter 
by  Elder  Oris.  Session  of  1819.  The  ,fve  Canada  churches  dismissed.  Liber- 
ality of  several  chiu-ches.  Session  of  1S20.  Eevival  in  North  Adams.  Female 
Mite  Societies  commended.  Extract  from  the  Circular  Letter,  by  Elder  Hubbell. 
The  enjoyment  of  those  associational  meetings.  Session  of  1821.  Monthly  con- 
cert of  prayer  recommended.  Contributions  tor  Missions.  Gencnrt  meeting  ap- 
pointed Corresponding  Letter,  by  Elder  Withereli.  Statistics  of  the  churches. 
Closing  remarks  on  this  period. 

OHAPTEE  v.— Paob  ITO. 

FiFTu  Decade  of  Teaks. — General  remarks,  and  Session  of  1822.  New  chnrches, 
and  missionary  collections.  Session  of  182-3.  Constitution  re-printed.  IJrief 
Letter  of  Correspondence,  by  Elder  Hubbell.  Session  of  1824.  Statistics  of  Cor- 
responding Bodies,  Death  of  Elder  Warben,  noticed.  Session  of  1S25.  Contri- 
butions of  the  Clifton  P.irk  church.  A  Committee  to  collect  materials  for  a  His- 
TORV  of  the  Body,  appointed.  Session  of  182G.  Cluirches  dismissed  to  form  the 
Berksliire  Association.  Some  features  of  the  Associations  of  those  days  com- 
mended. Circular  Letter,  by  Elder  Mattison.  t-'ession  oflS2T.  Eesolution  on 
the  death  of  Ann  H.  Judson.  Query  from  Sohodack  on  Communion  answered. 
Berkshire  Association  recognized.  Corresponding  Letter  of  Elder  Jobn  Harris. 
Session  of  1S2S.  Troubles  iu  the  Waterford  church.  The  revised  Constitution 
ordered  to  be  printed.  Variations  from  the  former  one.  An  excellent  document 
worth  perpetuating.  Session  of  1829.  Washington  Association  fellowshipped. 
Session  of  1830.  Resolutions  on  Temperance.  Free-Masonry  .again.  An  in- 
teresting close.  Father  Peck's  last  meeting  with  the  Body.  Session  of  1831. 
Reviviil  mercies  again.  Actiou  of  the  Association  again  on  Free-Masonry.  Re- 
marks.   Statist'cs  of  the  churches.    Closing  of  Ihis'poriod. 


CONTENTS.  xr 


CHAPTER  VI.— Page  202. 

Sixth  Decade  of  Yeaes. — General  remarks.  Session  of  1S32.  Statistics  of  tlie 
churches.  General  revival.  Growth  of  the  other  Associations — ^formation  of  the 
Bottskili.  8t6phento\VTi  formed,  and  ten  churches  dismissed.  Committee  on 
History  discharged  Session  of  1S33.  Circular  Letter  by  Elder  J.  Hall,  of 
Bennington,  extract  from.  Death  of  Elders  Hull  and  Oliistead.  Session  of 
1834.  Three  more  churches  dismissed  Extracts  from  the  Circular,  by  Elder 
Hubbell.  Sessions  of  1835,  '36.  Action  of  this  Body  on  the  Bible  question.  Ses- 
sion of  1S37.  Total  abstinence  stand.  Eesolutions  against  American  slavery. 
Sessions  of  1S3S,  '39.  Eevlval  mercies  once  more.  Session  of  184fl.  A  curious 
church  question  answered.  Session  of  1841.  Resolution  on  the  Baltimore  tri- 
ennial Convention.    Statistics  of  the  churches — ^but  eigM  in  the  Body. 

CHAPTER  VII.— Page  224. 

SEVBarra  Decade  op  Yeaps. — General  remarks.  Session  of  1842.  Queries  an- 
swered O.  S.  Murray.  Session  of  1843.  Revivals.  Dissolution  of  the  Body 
discussed  Rxtract  from  the  Circular  Letter,  on  Holy  Living,  Session  of  1844. 
Eesolutions  against  Slavery,  Free-Masonry,  Odd-Fellowship,  and  Intemperance. 
Session  of  1S45.  Ordination  of  J.  A.  Smith.  Session  of  1S46.  Circular  Letter 
on  Family  Prayer,  by  Elder  Reach.  Session  of  1S47.  Only  fine  churches  left. 
Session  of  1S4S.  Rupert  church  united  Committee  on  History  raised  again. 
Mrs.  Brown,  of  Assam,  present  Session  of  1S49.  Resolution  against  Secret  So- 
cieties. Session  of  1S50.  Resolution  on  the  revision  question.  "Session  of  1851. 
Statistics  of  the  churches.  History  report ;  call  to  print  a  book.  Session  of 
1S52.    Closing  remarks.    Tabular  view  of  the  annual  meetings. 

CHAPTER  VIII.— Page  245. 

Other  Associations. — General  remarks.  The  Saratoga.  245.  Hudson  River,  247. 
Berkshire,  249.  Washington  TTnion,  &c.,  250.  Stephentown,  254.  Tabular  view 
of  the  annual  meetings  of  each,  256-2fi3.  Conclusion  of  the  body  of  the  work, 
264 


APPENDIX. 

SECTION  I. 

Sketches  of  the  present  churches  in  the  Body.— First  Bennington,  26G.  Second 
Bennington,  269.  Hoosick,  272.  Manchester,  275.  Pownal,  231.  Rupert,  28S. 
Shaftsbury,  28G.  Tabular  view  of  all  the  churches  in  this  Body,  292.  Explana- 
tory remarks,  296. 

SECTION  II. 

Sketches  of  aged  ministers.— E.  Barber,  297.  O.  Blood,  302.  Amasa  Brown,  307. 
J.  CorneU,  309.  Jehiel  Fox,  312.  E.  D.  Hubbell.  314  Justus  Hull,  316.  N. 
Kendrick,  .325.  J.  Leiand,  329.  E.  Lee,  .533.  N.  Mason,  836.  C.  Nichols,  837. 
Abiiah  Peck,  338.  8.  Rogers,  341.  E.  Smith.  342.  Obed  Warren,  844  Isaac 
Webb,  347.  Peter  Werden,  349.  George  Witherell,  352.  L  Mattison,  353.  p. 
Tinkham,  355.  Note.  Manchester  Association,  359.  Tabular  view  of  Minis- 
ters, 360.    Of  Domestic  Missionaries,  369. 

SECTION  III. 

Statistics  of  the  churches,  .370.  Adams,  North,  37L  Albany,  first,  372.  Branch 
churches,  flamUion-street,  and  South  Pearl-street,  373.  Pearl-street,  Smith 
rhurch,  and  Newtmonmlle,  374  State-street  and  Amsterdam,  37o.  Arhng- 
ton,  376.  Ashficld  and  Austerlitz,  377.  Ballston  ^^\^^\^^^^'f±.f?^- 
Bennington,  (first,)   381.    Bennington,  Csecond.1  and  Berlin,  382.      Samialce 


Xrt  CONTENTS. 


and  Grafton,  884.  Peiersburf/h,  385.  Bottskill,  386.  LakevUle,  887.  West 
Greenwich  and  Broadalbln,  388.  Canaan,  (first,)  890.  Canaan,  (second,) 
391.  Oharlotteville,  U.  0.,  302.  Chatham,  393.  Cheshire,  (first,)  394.  Adams, 
(Soutli,)  395.  Cheshire,  (third,)  396.  Lan^shord'  and  Chesterfield,  3S7.  Ches- 
ter, N.  Y.,  398.  Clifton  Park,  399.  Burnt  Hills,  400.  Glenville  and  Ilalfmoon, 
^econd,)  401.  Ilalfmoon,  (first,)  and  Clinton,  U.  C,  402.  Colerain,  (second,) 
Dover  and  Egremont,  403.  Galway,  (first,)  405.  Galway,  (second,)  406.  Green- 
field, (first,)  408.  Greenfield,  (second,)  409.  Greenfield,  (Oiu-d,)  410.  Hadley, 
411.  Hancock,  412.  Hartford,  (first,)  413.  Uanford,  (South,)  and  Hebron,  415. 
Hartford,  (second,)  or  Adamsville,  416.  Hartford  and  Kingsbury,  417.  Hills- 
dale, (West,)  418.  Hillsdale,  (East,)  419.  Hinsdale,  420.  Hoosick,  422.  Kings- 
boro',  423.  Lansingburgh,"  424.  Manchester,  425.  Milton,  420.  Moreau,  427. 
Nassau,  (first,)  429.  Nassau,  (second,)  430.  Pittsflold,  431.  Pittstown,  (first,) 
432.  Pownal,  434.  Providence,  435.  Providence,  (second,)  and  Kupert,  437. 
Salem,  439.  Sandisfleld,  440.  Saratoga  Springs,  441.  Savoy,  (first,)  443.  Schen- 
ectady, 444.  Sohiiylcrville,  445.  Schodack,  446.  Sandlake  and  Shaftsbury, 
(first,)  448.  Shaftsbury,  (second,)  450.  Shaftsbury,  (fourth,)  451.  Stamford,  452. 
Stephentown,  453.  Lebanon  Springs  and  StiUwater,  (first,)  454.  SliUioater, 
(second,)  456.  Troy,  (first,)  456.  Troy,  (north,)  and  West  Troy,  459.  "Water- 
lord  and  echoes,  460.  West  Stockbridge,  461.  White  Creek,  462,  Cambridge, 
463.    WiUiamstowD,  404, 


HISTORY 


SHAFTSBURY  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Origin  and  progress  for  the  first  ten  years  of  its  existence,  or  from 
1781  to  1791. 


The  Shaftsburt  Baptist  Association,  whose  an- 
nals we  propose  to  sketch,  was  organized  in  the  year 
1780,  and  held  its  first  anniversary  on  the  12th  day  of 
June,  1781,  in  Shaftsbury,  the  town  which  gave  it  a  name. 
Although  one  of  the  older  of  the  great  sisterhood  of  Bap- 
tist Associations  in  the  United  States,  she  is  not  the  oldest. 

The  first  Baptist  Association  ever  formed  in  America 
was  commenced  September  27th,  1707,  in  the  city  of  PMl- 
adelphia,  and  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  hence  called  the 
Philadelphia  Baptist  Association.  It  is  therefore 
now  nearly  146  years  old,  and  senior  to  the  Shaftsbury  by 
about  74  years.  This  Association  embraced  all  our  churches 
throughout  an  extensive  territory  for  a  long  time  ;  extend- 
ing from  the  town  of  Northeast,  in  Dutchess  County,  New 

2 


14  SIIAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION".  [1780 

York,  and  Horseneck,  in  Greenwich,  Conn.,  through  the 
states  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania  and  Dela- 
ware, into  Virginia ;  or  some  400  miles  from  the  Northeast 
to  the  Southwest  extreme  of  its  territorial  limits  ;  and  spread- 
ing inland  from  the  coast  as  far  to  the  west  as  the  settlements 
reached.  This  has  ever  been  a  large  and  effec'ive  body, 
wielding  an  extensive  influence  in  its  own  region,  and 
throughout  the  whole  land. 

Further  south  arose,  in  1751,  the  Charleston  Associa- 
tion, in  South  Carolina ;  in  1758,  the  Sandy  Creek,  in 
North  Carolina;  and  in  17G6,  the  Strawberry  and  Ke- 
TOCKTON  Associations,  in  Virginia.  These  are  the  oldest 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Associations.  In  the  New  England 
States  the  Jirst  Baptist  Association  organized  was  the  \Var- 
KEN,  formed  in  the  year  1767,  September  8th,  in  the  town 
which  gave  it  a  name,  in  the  Roger  Williams  State.  This 
body,  for  a  long  time,  embraced  the  Baptist  churches  in 
Eastern  Rhode  Island  and  Eastern  Massachusetts  ;  and,  al- 
though it  has  set  off,  from  time  to  time,  some  six  or  seven 
associations  from  its  original  territory,  it  is  still  a  strong 
body  of  aearly  40  churches,  and  G,000  members,  all  located 
in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island.  In  1772  the  Stois'ixgton 
Association  was  organized,  embracing,  at  first,  the  churches 
of  Western  Rhode  Island  and  Eastern  Connecticut,  called 
the  Stonington  Union  since  1817. 

The  next  regular  Baptist  Association  formed  in  the  New 
England  States,  was  this,  our  own  Shaft^uury  Associa- 
tion, organized  in  the  town  of  Shoftshury,  near  the  south- 
west corner  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  and  upon  the  borders 
of  Massachusetts  on  the  south,  with  New  York  on  the  west. 
Although  formed  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  and  the  oldest 
Baptist  Association  in  that  State,  its  territory  was,  for  a  long 
time,  less  in  that,than  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  or  New 
York.  The  churches  of  this  body,  for  many  years  from  its 
origin,  were  scattered  over  a  wide  domain,  embracing  parts 
of  Bennington,  Rutland  and  Windham  counties,  in  Vt. ;  the 
churches  of  Berkshire,  and  portions  of  Franklin  and  Hamp- 
shire counties,  Mass.;  and  most  of  those  in  Rensselaer,  Co- 
lumbia, and  Saratoga  ;  with  some  from  Washington,  Albany, 
Schenectady  and  Fulton ;  while  even  from  distant  Herki- 
mer, Warren,  Dutchess  and  Delaware  counties,  in  the  State 


CHAP  l.J  GENERAL    REMARKS.  15 

of  New  York,  the  sons  of  God  gathered  around  this  stan* 
dard,  erected  here  in  the  wilderness,  as  a  rallying  point  for 
the  churches  of  Christ,  in  these  inland  regions^  In  what 
are  now  seventeen  counties,  in  three  several  states,  were  the 
churches  located,  that  have  been  members  of  this  venerable 
body.  And  even  more;  for  there  were  Jive  churches  in  Up- 
per Canada,  from  beyond  the  roaring  waters  of  Niagara, 
that  held  a  connection  for  several  years  with  this  association. 

From  the  fact  that  she  yet  exists  without  change  of  name 
after  the  revolutions  of  more  than  seventy  years,  the  moth- 
er of  a  number  of  vigorous  daughters  well  settled  around  her ; 
and  from  the  very  honorable  part  she  has  borne  in  the  re- 
ligious enterprizes  of  the  age,  especially  in  furnishing  miri' 
isters,  members  and  means  for  the  establishment  and  growth 
of  very  many  churches  in  Central  and  Western  New  York, 
and  even  in  the  more  distant  states  of  the  mighty  West ; — > 
from  these  and  other  considerations,  a  sketch  of  her  history 
cannot  fail  of  interesting  and  profiting,  also,  many  brethren 
and  friends,  both  on  the  original  territory  and  scattered  wide= 
ly  over  the  breadth  of  our  land. 

While  this  association  is  seventy-two  years  old,  no  one  of 
all  the  forty-five  kindred  bodies  in  the  Empire  State  can  count 
more  than  about  sixty-two  years  ;  the  New  York  Baptist 
Association  being  the  oldest  of  them,  having  been  formed 
in  1791  ;  and  of  the  rest,  only  the  Otsego,  formed  in  1795, 
the  Rensselaerville,  formed  in  1796,  and  the  Cayuga, 
formed  in  1801,  being  over  fifty  years  old,in  the  whole  state. 
And  in  the  State  of  Vermont,but  four  other  associations  ex^- 
ceeA  fifty  years  of  age : — the  Woodstock,  formed  in  1783, 
in  the  town  that  gave  it  a  name  ;  the  Vermont,  formed  in 
Elder  Joseph  Cornell's  barn,  in  Manchester,  in  1785  ;  the 
Windham  County,  in  the  southeast  part  of  the  state, 
formed  in  1793  ;  and  the  Fairfield,  formed  in  1796,  now 
blended  with  the  Onion  River  into  the  Lamoile  Association, 
in  the  northwest  section  of  the  state. 

The  territory  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  being  inland, 
was  not  settled  as  early  as  other  parts  of  our  country  nearer 
the  sea.  The  dangers  of  border  life,  in  this  region,  held 
back  the  tide  of  emigration  from  setting  up  so  far,  while  the 
French  and  their  Indian  allies  retained  possession  of  the 
Canadas,  and  so  often  ranged  through  the  territory  now  oc- 


16  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1780 

cupied  by  most  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  and  the  northern 
portion  of  New  York.  But  after  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
and  before  the  revolutionary  struggle  had  commenced,  set- 
tlements were  made  and  churches  were  organized  in  Berk- 
shire Co.,  Mass. ;  in  Bennington  Co.,  Vt. ;  and  in  what  is 
now  Washington,  Rensselaer,  Columbia  and  Saratoga  coun- 
ties, New  York.  The  first  Baptist  Church  organized  in 
Vermont,  was  ihejirst  Shaftsbury,  called  the  We.^t  Church 
for  many  years,  and  which  was  constituted  in  1768.  So  far 
as  we  can  learn,  this  was  i\\Q  first  church  of  the  Baptist  faith 
and  order  in  all  that  region  between  the  Green  Mountains 
and  the  Hudson  River.  The  second,  or  East  Church,  in 
Shaftsbury ,was  organized  from  this,  June  29th,  1780,  as  its 
records  still  extant  certify.  This  was  in  the  northeast  part 
of  the  town,  and  the  first  in  the  southwest  portion.  It  was 
with  this  oldest  church  that  the  association  was  formed,and 
held  a  number  of  its  earlier  meetings.  Some  other  church- 
es in  this  region  bear  an  earlier  date  than  the  association. 
The  1st  Cheshire,  Mass.,  dates  back  to  the  year  1770,  or 
thereabout ;  Bottskill,  in  Greenwich,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y., 
to  1774 ;  the  White  Creek,  once  called  Cambridge,  in  the 
same  county,  to  1779  ;  the  Manchester,  Vt.,  to  1781 ;  and 
the  Stillwater,  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  1780,  although  some 
date  this  back  to  1762,  which  would  make  it  the  oldest 
i>patist  Church  in  all  the  region.  Benedict  says  :  "  there 
was  a  church  formed  near  the  place  where  General  Bur- 
goyne  was  taken,  over  forty  years  ago,  (in  1812,)  which  was 
broken  up  and  scattered  by  the  devastations  of  the  war."* 
This  would  run  back  its  origin  to  about  the  same  date  with 
the  1st  Cheshire  and  Bottskill  churches,  in  1770  to 
1772.  But  the  present  1st  Stillwater  church,  which  was 
gathered  by  the  labors  of  Elders  Lemuel  Powers 
and  Beriah  Kelly,  in  two  bands  at  first,  which  united  into 
one  in  1790,  cannot  date  its  organization  back  of  the  year 
1780,  we  presume.  And  if  the  claim  of  the  Stillwater 
church  to  the  earliest  date  should  be  allowed,  upon  the  au- 
thority of  Benedict,  that  of  the  White  Creek  church  should 
also  be  counted  good  for  an  existence  as  early  as  1772. 
For  the  historian  says  :  "  In  Cambridge  a  church  was 
planted  in  1772,  by  Elder  William  Wait,  from  Rhode  Is- 
land.    It  was  at  first  called  White's  Creek  ;  is  situated  near 

*  Vol.  1,  p.  553. 


CPAP.  I.]  FIHST   TEN  YEARS. 17 

the  line  of  Vermont,  and  within  half  a  mile  of  Elder  Wait's 
house,  the  Bennington  battle  terminated.  The  night  before 
the  battle  some  of  his  church  went  over  to  the  enemy  where 
they  were  obliged  to  fight,  and  during  the  bloody  conflict  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  witnessed  the  shocking  spectacle  ot 
brethren,  who,  but  a  few  days  before  had  set  together  at  the 
table  of  the  Lord,  arraigned  in  direful  hostility  against  each 
other  amidst  the  clangor  of  arms  and  the  rage  of  battle. 
Brother  fighting  against  brother  !  Such  are  the  horrors  and 
unnatural  effects  of  war  !  "  0  !  tell  it  not  in  Gath  !  pub- 
lish it  not  in  the  streets  of  Ashhelon!!"  This  melancholy 
affair  threw  the  church  into  confusion,  and  entirely  broke  it 
up  The  next  year  Mr.  Wait  collected  three  members  be- 
side himself,  and  began  anew  ;  a  revival  soon  commenced, 
so  that  in  1780  the  number  amounted  to  140.  '*  The  rec- 
ords of  the  present   organization  only  commence  with  this 

latter  period,  in  1779.  -,  .i.    /:    .      „ 

These  early  formed  churches, then,  composed  the  first  con- 
stituency of  this  association,  with  others  that  arose  about  the 
same  period  in  the  region  of  its  organization.  We  cannot 
find  the  records  of  the  body  for  the  first  >e  years  of  its  ex- 
istence, only  as  the  times  and  places  of  its  sessions  are  given 
for  each  year  upon  the  title  page  of  the  minutes  for  the  year 
1786  from  which  we  infer  that  they  bad  not  printed  their 
minutes  till  this  latter  year.  But  from  Benedict  we  learn 
that  the  constituent  churches  were  as  follows :  "  East  and 
West  Shaftshury  ;  1st  Cheshire,  then  called  New  Providence; 
one  in  Stillwater;  and  one  in  White  Greek.  The  principal 
ministers  were  Peter  Worden,  Wm.  Wait,  Lemuel  Powers 
and  Joseph  Cornell ;  and  Lemuel  Powers  was  ordained  at 
this  first  meeting  of  the  association."t 

Althouo-h  we  have  no  printed  minutes  for  several  years, 
it  appearl  by  the  records  of  the  White  Creek  Baptist 
Church  that  the  association  met  at  Stephentown,.  June  lA 
1782,  and  was  composed  of  eight  churches.  And  from  the 
records  of  the  same  ehurch,it  appears  that  the  association  in 
1784  discarded  all  right  or  prerogative  over  the  discipline 
of  the  several  churches,  either  to  entertain  complaints 
a'^ainst  individual  brethren,or  churches  ;  and  for  that  reason 
said  church  with  its  pastor.  Elder  Wait,  withdrew  from  the 
body,  till,  in  the  year  1799,  a  new  pastor  led  them  back  to 

■"  Jfenodlct^  vol.  1,  p.  551.  t  Benedict,  vol.  1,  p.  8.m 


18  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1781 — 6 

their  duty  to  the  association.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted 
that  no  further  particulars  of  these  earlier  years  of  associa- 
tional  travel, can  be  obtained  ;  but  the  records  of  subsequent 
years  show,that  their  course  was  onward  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  "  from  conquering  to  conquer." 

The  earliest  copy  of  annual  minutes  yet  found,  as  stated 
before,  bears  the  date  of  1786,  and  we  give  its  title  page, 
and  the  table  of  statistics,  exhibiting  the  condition  of  the 
churches  at  that  time.  It  is  an  imperfect  copy,  only  con- 
taining i\xQjirst  and  the  last  leaf  of  an  eight  page  pamphlet, 
and  not  more  than  three  lines  on  the  last  leaf. 

The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  its  title  page  now 
seventy-two  years  old : 

"THE 
"SHAFTSBURY 

"BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

"  Was  begun  and  held  at  Shafts  hury,  on  June  11, 1781, 
and  continued  yearly  as  follows : 
"June  12,  1782,  at  Steventow?i ; 
"June  11,  1783,  at  Stcventown; 
"June    9,   17  Si,  at  Shaftsburi/ ; 
"June    8,    1785,  at  Sleventown ; 

"MINUTES 

"  OF  THE 

"SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION, 

"  At   their  annual    Convention,  held   at   Elder    Warden's 
Meeting-House,  in  Adams,  1786. 

"Wednesday,  June  14,  1786. 
"1.  At  ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  Elder  Justice  Hull,  according 
to  appointment,   preached   tho   introductory  sermon,  from 


FIRST  TEN    YEARS, 


19 


CHAP.  I.] 

Psalm  107  -8.  "  O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his 
Goodness  and  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men." 
After  which, Elder  Powers  opened  the  association  by  prayer. 

«  2    Chose  a  Moderator  and  Clerk. 

"  3  Letters  were  read  from  the  respective  churches,  and 
ihe  foilowinc  account  was  taken  of  the  members  added  dis- 
missed, excluded,  or  who  have  died  the  last  year,  and  of  the 
present  number  in  each  church.  .      ,   ^        .,       ,       , 

"  N  B  No  accounts  were  received  from  the  churches 
distinguished  by  tiiis  mark,  t-       Ministers  in  small-caps. 


Chueches 

Piltsficld,  Mass., 

Steventown,  N.  Y.,\ 
Stillwater,  N.  Y., 

West  Shaftshury,  \ 
East  Shaftshunj,  f 
WalUngford,  Vt.,  \ 
Adams,Mass.,or 
\st  Cheshire, 

New  Bethlehem,  N.   Y. 
Sandisjield,  Mass.,  f 
Washitigton,  Mass., 

Battenlill,^-  F.,  t 
Chesterfield,  Mass.,  f 
Little  Iloosick,  I^.  Y., 

Halifax,  Vt, 

2  Hancock,  Mass., 

15  Churches. 


Ministers  &  Messkngees.I  §    g   " 


Valentine  Rathbun, 
Daniel  Rathbun, 


Lemuel  Powers,  J.  An 
dioss,  David  Irish. 


Peter  "Warden,  Jonathan 

Richardson,  Stephen  Car- 

ipeuter. 

Jacob  Harrington. 

John    Nicuols,    Samuel 
Whelpley.ThomasWhelp- 

ley. 


Justice   Hull,   Joseph 

Boles,  Elisha  Berry. 

David  Bell,  Elisha  War 

Jen. 

John  Hammond. 


5  Ordained  Ministers. 


N.  B.    These 
eida  of )  State  street 


Minutes  were  -printed  by  CImrlcs  »•  Webster  Na  86  (Nortb 
eet,  Bear  the  English  Church,  Albany,    M.DCC.iiXAAVi. 


20  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1781 — 8 

Thus  in  six  years  had  this  beginning  increased  from_y?De 
\a  fifteen  churches,  with  a  proportionate  growth  in  members  ; 
and  during  the  last  year,G4  had  been  added  to  the  churches. 
The  only  ret'iVa?  reported,  was  in  the  Washington  Church, 
in  Mass.,  to  which  the  large  number  of  51  had  been  united 
under  the  care  of  Elder  John  Nichols,  who  continued  their 
pastor  till  1795. 

1787. 

During  the  year  thus  represented  in  the  progi-ess  of  the 
association  there  must  have  been  some  advance,  though  the 
minutes  of  this  year  have  not  been  found.  But  from  the 
record  of  the  following  year  we  infer  that  some  were  added 
to  the  churches. 

nss. 

The  association  met  this  year  wi<h  the  First  Church  m 
Shaftsbury,  June  4th,  or  the  first  Wednesday  in  the  month, 
as  it  has  continued  to  do  ever  since,  now  about  G5  years. 
The  session  commenced  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.  with  an  inti'oduc- 
tory  discourse  from  Rom.  8  :  17,— "  And  if  children  then 
heirs ;  heirs  of  God,  »fec.,"  by  Elder  Nicolas  Cox,  a  visit- 
ing brother  from  the  Philadelphia  Association.  Elder  Ca- 
leb Blood  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  brother  David  Rath- 
bun,  Clerk.  Neither  of  these  names  appear  to  have  been 
delegates  from  any  of  the  churches,  though  Elder  Blood  was 
a  messenger  from  Warren  Association, 

The  statistics  for  the  year  give  tlie  names  of  16  churches, 
though  not  all  represented  ;  11  ministers,  with  an  aggregate 
of  803  members  reported,  of  whom  71  had  been  added  du- 
ring the  year.  The  churches  most  highly,  lavored  by  addi- 
tions were  the  Bottskill,  20  added  ;  Berlin,  or  Little  Hoo- 
sick,  16;  and  the  Halifex,  Vt ,  under  the  care  of  Elder  Obed 
Warren,  15.  One  church,  the  Hillsdale,  (since  called 
West  Hillsdale,)  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Stephen 
Gano  for  several  years,  united  with  the  body  at  this  session 
with  a  membership  of  32.  Messengers  were  received  and 
sent  to  several  sister  associations,  as  has  been  the  usual  cus- 
tom since. 


21 


CHAP.  I.] FIRST   TEN   YEARS. 

FromtheSxo.iKa.oK.Cona..aone.  S^t  there  D^^Ra^^^^  and  K 

«      ..WXU..K  Elder.  If.  Greea.      «"      ^^^^^  [;  PoweS' 5'. 
a  Blood,  J.  B^b.  ^^^«^J  ^^j  C.  Warren. 

.      «    WooDS^cK,Vt,Dea.Jo-      «    «      St'L  ^''''''     ''^ 
eeph  Call  Warren. 

„  _,, ,         T    n,.v        "     "       Elder  J'.  Hull,  Breth'a 

"      "    ^^,^^'''?'  f"^^""  J  Bates,  J.  Andrews. 

^  T>„     v\A^r      «    «      Eld.  S.  Gano,  Bro.  Da- 

«      «    PaiDADELPHiA,  Pa.,  iiilder  ^.'^-  "-.  ' 

Stephen  Gaao.  ^^<i  ^"^^ 

There  came  good  news  from  tbe  latter  body  and  some 
otl^  associations  further  south.  To  thePh.ladelpbua  Asso- 
elation  there  had  been  -^^^ed  during  the  t.^  years  178G  and 
'87  about  750  by  baptism,  and  50  by  letter.  And  to  the 
Baptt  churches  L  Virginia  about  1200  bad  been  add  d  by 
baptism  in  two  years.  (See  the  M mutes  of  the  Ph.ladel- 
phia  Association,  re-prmted,  p.  227.)  ,.^^^^  differ- 

These  fraternal  exchanges  by  messengers  between  ditler- 
ent  asrciSons,  often  embraced  a  letter  of  correspondence, 
T:Z:f:ii  addressed^  the  most  fect^onate  erms^^^ 
nne  association  to  all  the  rest  with  whom  they  ath bated, 
sletm  rinthe  years,  it  was  a  manuscript  pre- 

par'd  by  sime  minister  or  another,  to  be  sent  ^^-^^oUhe 
n.^ociation^  to  be  there  read  in  oi)en  session.     The  reading 
nreTaVious  epistles  of  ^-^-nal  kindness  romlandrc^ 
bodies  formed  a  very  interesting  portion  of  the  exercises  oi 
the   occas'^^^^     And  often,  remarks  from  visiting  brethren, 
espectlng  the  condition  of  the  churches,  and  the  state  of  re- 
iXn   n  fheir  various  sections,  enhanced  the  value  o    these 
solemn  yeT joyful  feasts  in  Zion.     The  custom  finally  pre- 
'ail^r  in  after  years,  of  inserting  in  the  minutes  following 
l^dr'cular  etter  to  ihe  churches  of  their  own  body,  a  brief 
but  aSnate  epistle,  addressed  to  all  the  sister  associations 
in  their  circle  of  corresijondence.  »ere  char-ed 

"Fldeis  L.  Powers,  S.  Gano,  and  .1  ideals,  were  cudioC 
with  th    du  y  of  preparing  this  letter  to  the  association  , 
^Lth  was  a^ot'^f,  but  not  printed  in  the  minutes  of  bus,, 

iiess  for  the  year. 

2^ 


.22  SIIAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [l788 

The  "Wallingford  Baptist  Chnrch,  in  Vt,  some  forty  miles 
to  the  north  of  Shaftsbury,  was  dismissed  to  the  Vermont 
Association,  where  it  could  be  more  conveniently  accommo- 
dated. And  inasmuch  as  several  churches  had  become  re- 
miss in  reporting  their  state  to  the  association,  letters  of 
inquiry  were  ordered  written  to  the  Pittsfield,  Stephentown, 
Chesterfield  and  White  Creek  Churches. 

The  following  item  from  the  minutes  of  this  year  (pages 
6,  7,)  may  be  useful  in  exhibiting  the  specific  doctrinal  views 
of  the  ministers  and  churches  of  that  age  ;  "  Whereas,  the 
intention  of  this  association,  in  the  first  and  third  queries  in 
the  minutes  of  the  last  session,  was  not  fully  understood  by 
our  brethren  at  a  distance  :  therefore  voted,  that  it  is  expe- 
dient to  communicate  our  ideas  in  the  following  manner  : 

"  1.  Whether  all  men,  or  any  part  of  them,  are  actually 
discharged  from  the  condemnation  of  the  law,  by  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ,  without  the  special  application  of  that  atone- 
ment by  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

**  Answer  :  in  the  negative. 

*'  2.  Whether  the  benefits  of  the  great  atonement,  as  they 
respect  the  eternal  salvation  of  man,  are  applied  to  any  ex- 
cept the  elect  ? 

"  Answered  in  the  negative."  And  so  the  body  ad- 
journed. 

1789. 

The  Association  met  this  year  according  to  appointment 
with  Elder  Gano's  Church,  at  West  Hillsdale,  N.  Y.,  and 
at  2  o'clock  P.  M.  Elder  P.  Wekden  preached  the  opening 
sermon  from  2  Tim.  2: 15,  "  Study  to  show  thyself  appro- 
ved unto  God,  &c."  Elder  Samuel  Waldo,  of  Pawlings- 
town,  in  Dutchess  Co.,  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder 
Hull,  Clei-k.  The  state  of  the  churches  was  encouraging, 
several  having  enjoyed  revivals  during  the  year. 

The  statistics  of  the  body  were  as  follows  :  churches,  17  ; 
■with  10  ordained  ministers  ;  174  had  been  added  to  the  re- 
ported churches  ;  16  dismissed;  16  excluded  ;  5  died  ;  and  a 
total  of  1,118  members  was  found  in  the  body.  The  follow- 
ing ^ve  churches  united  this  session  with  the  body  :  Shafts- 
hury  Centre,  (called  the  4th  Church  at  that  time  and  for 
many  years ;)    2nd  Lancshoro,    (afterwards   the   3d  Che- 


CHAP  1.]  FIRST   TEN  YEARS.     ^ 

shire  0  tbe  New  Britain,  (since  the  1st  Canaan,)  in  N.  Y.; 
ihe  Great  Nine  Partners,  and  Pawling stown.^ 

But  with  these  additions  there  was  a  diminution  of  four 
churches  dropped  fron.  the  minutes  of  former  years,  leaving 
as  recorded  before,  but  17  churches  in  the  body. 

The  spirit  of  revival  had  blessed  four  or  five  of  the 
churches  To  the  Hillsdale  church  25  had  been  added  ;  to 
tStUoosick  U;  to  the  Stinwater  under  ^ 
Elder  L.  Powers.  33  ;  to  the  Sandisfield,  Elder  J.  Morse,_  J  , 
while  to  Elder  VVerden's  church,  in  Adams,  or  1st  Cheshire 
the  large  accession  of  81  had  been  made,  increasmg  his  flock 
o  IGsf  the  largest  church,  by  more  than  forty,in  the  whole 
body  This  was  the  great  revival  of  the  year,  doubhng  the 
members  in  this  particular  church.  .  ^  ,  ^ 

Messengers  were  received,  and  others  appointed  to  van- 
oufcorrefponding  bodies  ;  and  Elders  Gano  and  Powers 
werefellowshipped  to  travel  somewhat  at  large,  and  af  er  at- 
Tendinc^  the  Philadelphia  Association, «  to  proceed  to  Virgin- 
a  and^here  acquaint  themselves  (as  time  and  opportunity 
mky  serve)  with  the  order  and  standing  of  the  several  as - 
S  ions  n  those  parts,  who  have  solicited  our  fellowship, 
wien  the  door  thereunto  may  open."     And  as  was  the  cus- 
Tom  in  those  days,  supplies  were  provided  for  their  church- 
esrinpart,while  they   were   absent,  as  well   as  for  other 
destitute  churches,  by  one  minister  and  another,  leaving  his 
own  people  a  Sabbath  at  a  time,  with  their  wiling  consent 
to  labor   for  the   comfort  and  edification  of  sister  churches, 
hus  left  without  a   pastor.     This   was   the  early   form  of 
Some lirssion  effort',  to  plant  new  churclies  and  strengthen 
the  feeble  ones  scattered  in  the  then  wilderness  of  our  wide 

"^^Thrfollowing  items  of  business  on  the  7th  page  of  the 
Minutes  may  deserve  a  record  here : 

-13.  Haiing  received  no  returns,  for  a  ong  time,  from 
the  churches  in  Chesterfield,  2nd  Hancock  and  Stephen- 
town;  therefore,  voted,  to  drop  them  from  ourminutes. 
^'  {4.  Appointed  brethren  C.  Blood  and  Ebenezer  Wd- 
lou-hby,  to  draw  a  plan  of  the  power,  and  point  out  the  /^m- 
i?s  as  well  as  the  rules,  to  be  attended  to  by  an  association, 
and  make  return  thereof  at  our  next  annual  meeting 

«15.  Our  next  association  will  beheld  m  Elder  Wev 


24  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1789 

den's  Meeting  House,  Adams,  (or  1st  Cheshire^  on  the  first 
Wednesday  in  June  next.  Introductory  sermon  by  Elder 
Samuel  Waldo,  and  in  case  of  failure,  by  Elder  Lemuel 
Powers." 

Whether  there  had  been  a  constitution  and  rules  of  or- 
der in  the  body,does  not  appear  to  us ;  probably  no  written 
or  printed  one,  but  only  such  acknowledged  principles  of  or- 
der as  the  brethren  practiced  in  their  several  churches. 
Parliamentary  rules  were  of  little  use  among  those  whose 
chief  object  in  assembling  together  was  to  worship  God,  and 
report  the  state  of  religion  in  their  several  churches.  And 
if  this  appointment  in  the  item,  marked  14,  resulted  in  the 
production  of  a  regular  constitution  and  set  of  by-laws,  they 
have  failed  of  coming  to  us,  for  the  minutes  of  the  next  an- 
niversary are  not  extant  among  us.  It  is  most  likely  that 
they  were  only  some  leading  principles,  issued  as  the  circu- 
lar to  the  churches. 

And  because  that  document  is  lost  to  us,  from  the  pen  and 
mind  of  the  venerable  Blood,  it  may  be  interesting  to  the 
present  genei*ation  to  read  the  brief  circular  of  this  current 
year,  from  his  pen,  on  the  kindred  subject  of  the 
power  of  churches  in  the  government  of  their  own  members 
— a  subject,  which,  if  not  too  little  understood  at  present,  is 
far  too  much  neglected  in  most  of  our  churches. 

"CIRCULAR  LETTER,  (17S9.) 
"  Dearly  Beloved  : 

"  Although  it  baa  not  been  our  usual  custom  to  address  you  by  a 
circular  lettt'r,  yet  we  wish  you  to  suffer  a  word  of  advice  iu  this  try- 
ing day ;  and  as  we  are  determined  to  stand  aloof  from  the  idea  of 
claiming — much  more  exercising — any  power  that  may  in  tbe  least 
interfere  with  tbe  independency  or  government  of  the  several  church- 
es by  us  represented  ;  yet  it  appears  to  us  that  there  is  no  one  thing 
of  greater  importance — to  the  good  of  Zion  in  tbis  world— than  a 
proper  exercise  of  that  power,  which,  by  our  exalted  Redeemer,  is 
given  to  each  individual  cburcb  over  its  own  members.  The  power 
wbich  a  Gospel  Church  bas  over  its  members,  is  not  to  be  exercised 
according  to  any  plan,  form,  or  custom,  of  any  that  wear  tbe  name  of 
christian,  any  further  than  they  perfectly  agree  with  the  direction 
given  by  the  great  Head  of  churches  in  his  written  word,  which  fiaye, 


CHAP.  I.]  FIRST  TEN   YEARS. ^^ 

«  See  that  thou  make  all  thmgs  according  to  the  pattern  shewed  to 
thee  in  the  mount;"  Heb.  8  :  5.  All  church  power  e^evMcmtvB.ry 
to  this  rule  i3  mere  usurpation,  and  has  not  the  power  of  Christ  m  it. 
«  The  design  of  Gospel  Discipline  is,  to  purge  the  church  from  ini- 
nuitv,  and  not  to  gratify  our  prejudice  and  hard  feelings  one  toward 
another.  In  its  nature  it  is  calculated  to  succor  the  tempted,  to  dehver 
the  captive,  hunt  up  and  bring  home  with  rejoicing  those  who  a.e  gone 
astray ;  also  to  cleanse  the  church  from  impenitent  smners.  from 
contention  and  division,  from  tattling  and  tale  bearing ;  and  to  keep 
the  faith  and  order  of  the  Christian  church  in  its  priniitive  punty 

«  Our  blessed  Lord,  in  the  18th  of  Matthew,  clearly  holds  forth  tho 
nature,  and  strongly  urges  the  necessity  of  church  government  and 
discipline.  Wiien  we  consider  the  wonderful  order  m  which  God 
hath  fixed  all  nature,  both  rational  and  irrational,  animate  and  inani- 
mate, so  that  each  one  shall  bear  his  portion,  exhibiting  his  glory,  we 
must  be  sensible  he  never  intended  his  peculiar  people  should  hve  m 
this  world  without  strict  attention  to  good  order  and  government  in 
his  church.  As  no  machine  can  answer  the  intention  of  the  author 
unless  all  its  parts  are  duly  proportioned,  and  kept  in  due  order,  so  no 
church  can  show  forth  the  true  order  of  God's  house  without  strict 
attention  to  the  laws  and  ordinances  given  forth  by  the  great  Archi- 
tect and  Builder  of  Zion. 

«'  It  must  be  acknowledged  that  all  communities  formed  among  men 
are  under  certain  bonds  of  union  to  their  own  society,  the  fulfilling 
whereof  are  the  conditions  of  the  compact.     If  one  member  i8  lu- 
dul-ed  in  the  breach  of  this  combination,  why  not  another  ?  and  so 
on  Till  the  whole  community  becomes  extinct  ?     So,  if  one  member  of 
a  church,  be  they  high  or  low,  rich  or  poor,  bond  or  free,  is  indulged 
ia  the  breach  of  those  bonds  of  peace  which  we  have  entered  into, 
to  keep  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless  by 
tlie  same  rule  another  may  •,  and  thus  we  may  go  on,  till  in  reality 
we  become  a  synagogue  of  Satan,be  our  profession  what  it  may.  Let 
us  then,  beloved  brethren,  as  we  regard  the  cause  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer hold  the  reins  of  government  which  the  Lord  Jesus  hath  put 
into  our  hands,  and  keep  a  strict  watch  over  our  members  for  good. 
Every  church  must  be  accountable  to  God  in  the  great  day,  how  she 
conducts  herself  toward  her  members,  and  whether  she  is  faithful  to 
that  trust  reposed  in  her,in  executing  the  laws  of  Christ     Let  us  also 
be  concerned  to  take  the  utmost  care  that  no  matters  of  labor  be  ad- 
mitted into  the  church,  but  such  as  are  brought  aecordmg  to  the  rules 


28  SHAFTSBURV    ASSOCIATION.  [1789 

of  the  Gospel ;  and  when  difficulties  are  thus  brought,  attend  to  them 
in  the  fear  of  God,  and  love  to  his  cause,  and  a  hearty  desire  for  a  re- 
conciliation of  the  parties  at  variance  ;  for  a  spirit  of  love  and  meek- 
ness is  absolutely  neceesary  for  the  right  administration  of  church 
government. 

"  Let  great  care  be  taken  that  all  back-biting,  whispering,  tattling 
and  tale-bearing — those  enemies  which  often  prove  so  fatal  to  chris- 
tian union  and  peace,  and  which  have  so  often  separated  chief  friends 
— be  purged  out  of  the  churches,  otherwise  the  fire  of  contention  and 
strife  will  always  burn.     Prov.  26 :  20. 

"  Shall  also  remind  you  of  the  importance  of  a  tender  care  of  the 
weak  lambs  of  the  flock ;  and  in  your  church  government  keep  the 
door  open  for  the  improvement  and  encouragement  of  those  gifts  that 
may  appear  beneficial  to  the  chm-ch.  Oh  1  may  the  Great  Head  of 
influence  lead  us  all  into  the  true  order  and  faith  of  God's  house,  that 
•we  may  understand  the  out-goings  and  in-comings  thereof,  and  ever 
"seek  the  things  that  make  for  peace,  and  things  whereby  one  may 
edify  another,"  which  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  your  brethren  in  Gos- 
pel bonds. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  Association. 

SAMUEL  "WALDO,  Moderator. 
"Justus  Hull,  ClerL" 

Such  was  the  doctrine  of  the  Fathers  of  this  Association, 
addressed  to  the  churches  by  thej^rs^  Circular  Letter  found 
in  print.  Though  h7-ief,  it  is  comprehensive — worthy,  alike 
of  its  author,and  the  auspices  under  which  it  went  forth  to 
do  its  work.  From  that  time  to  the  present,  more  than 
sixti/'.years,{h.e  custom  has  been  honored  of  issuing  an  annual 
circular,  addressed  to  the  churches  of  the  body,  except  for 
a  few  years,  when  other  matter  filled  the  minutes,  or  the  ap- 
pointed writers  failed  to  prepare  one.  And  for  a  long  time, 
during  the  earlier  half  of  the  Association's  existence,  a  let- 
ter of  correspondence  with  sister  bodies  was  also  inserted  in 
the  minutes. 

The  circulars  were,  generally,  upon  some  doctrinal  or 
practical  subject,  and  only  for  five  or  six  times  has  there 
been  a  failure  to  print  in  the  annual  minutes  this  eagerly 
Bought  for  message  of  the  "Ministers  and  Messengers  of  the 
churches,"  and   so   worthily  accounted,  as   in    the  days  of 


CHAP.  I.]  FIIIST    TEN    YEARS. 


27 


Paul  "the  glory  of  Christ."  The  entire  series  of  these  let- 
ters,'with  the  corresponding  epistles  to  the  sister  associa- 
tions, would  make  an  interesting  volume  of  sound  and  salu- 
tary religious  reading  for  the  family,  if  re-produced  m  our 
day,  for  the  edification  of  the  present  generation  ot  the  dis- 
ciples of  Christ.  We  shall  insert  in  this  work,  from  time  to 
time  a  few  of  them,  as  specimens  of  their  worth  ;  some  of 
them'  entire  ;  and  others  in  an  abridged  form,  or  m  some  im- 
portant extract.  ,.       .      , 

But  who  can  estimate  the  value  of  these  earlier  circulars, 
to  the  fathers  and  mothers  of  this  Association,  in  building 
them  up  in  holiness  and  truth,  and  in  the  order  of  the  Gos- 
pel ill  those  days  when  a  religious  newspaper  or  magazine 
was  unknown?  They  were  read  with  great  avidity  and 
profit  by  the  church  members  of  those  times.  It  our  inter- 
est in  such  truths  were  as  great,  the  religious  literature  ot 
this  age  would  make  us  champions  in  the  army  of  Christ. 

n90. 

Of  this  year's  session  we  find  no  minutes  extant ;  but  m 
a  tabular  view  of  the  various  associations  in  correspondence 
with   the  Philadelphia  body,— published  in  their  minutes 
for  this  year,— this  Association  is  represented  as  embracing 
22  churches,  10  ministers,  and  about  1,500  members,  being 
an  increase  of  five  churches,  and  nearly  400  members  during 
the  year.     The  churches   that  united  at  this  session,  as  we 
eather  from  the  new  names  upon  the  minutes  of  the  succeed- 
in^   year  were,  the  Ashfield,  SiocBridge,  Chesterfield,  (re- 
turned,) and   1st   Savoy,  (then  called  Bullock's  Grant)  in 
Mass.,  and  the  1st  Galway  Church,  in  Saratoga  Co.,  JN.  Y. 
This  session  was  appointed  to  be  held  with  Elder  Werden  s 
Church,  in  Adams,  Mass.,  and   we   presume  was  so  held. 
There  must  have  been  considerable  revivals,  and  accessions 
al^o  to  the  following  churches:   Adams ,  some   15  ;  Little 
Iloo'sick,  18  ;  Hillsdale,  7  ;  Great  Nine  Partner?,  about  10  ; 
2nd  Lanesboro  a  large  addition  of  60  or  more,  as  we  are  able 
to  infer,  by  a  comparison  of  the  statistics   for  the  previous 
and  succeeding  years. 

1791. 
The  Eleventh  Anniversary  was  held  this  year  with  the 


28  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1791 

church  at  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  commencing  on  Wednesday, 
June  1st,  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  with  an  introductory  sermon 
by  Elder  Hull,  from  1  Tim.  2:5,  "  For  there  is  one  God 
and  one  Mediator  between  God  and  man,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus."  Elder  Blood  was  chosen  to  preside  over  the  body, 
and  Bro.  Samuel  Whelpley,  jr.,  was  appointed  Clerk. 

Some  of  the  churches  had  been  largely  favored  with  ad- 
ditions, and  nearly  every  one  with  some  increase.  To  all 
the  churches,morc  than  400  accessions  were  reported  during 
the  year.  Four  churches  were  received  this  session  into  the 
body,  viz :  the  2nd  Colerain,  Mass.,  the  1st  Saratoga,  the 
Si.  Coych,  and  the  Northeastown   churches,  in  New  York. 

This  last  church,  then,  and  for  nearly  40  years  under  the 
care  of  the  venerable  Elder  Simon  Dakin,  had  been  asso- 
ciated with  the  Philadelphia  body  since  1770,  and  is  now 
known  by  the  name  of  Aortheast  church,  Dutchess  Co.,  be- 
ing more  than  lOO  years  old.  The  St.  Coyck  (or  St.  Coick) 
church  was  a  transient  body  of  only  a  few  years  duration, 
situated  in  the  north-east  part  of  Hoosick,  Rensselaer  Co., 
and  not  far  from  the  Bennington  battle  ground. 

The  most  powerful  revivals  of  the  year  were  in  the  fol- 
lowing six  churches:  Adams  had  received  16  ;  Sandisfield 
24  ;  2nd  Lanesboro,  Elder  Nathan  Mason's,  16  ;  Chester- 
field, under  the  care  of  Elder  Ebenezer  Viiiing,  16  ;  while 
to  the  Bottskill  church,  111  additions  were  reported;  and  to 
the  Stillwater,  under  the  united  labors  of  Elders  Lemuel 
Poivers  and  David  Irish,  182  had  been  added,  46  dismiss- 
ed, leaving  232  in  standing  with  them  still,  the  largest  church 
in  the  whole  association  at  that  time.  To  other  churches  a 
few  were  added,  and  surely  it  had  been  "a  year  of  the  right 
hand  of  the  most  High,"  among  the  churches.  The  Botts- 
kill, under  the  care  of  Elder  Nathan  Tanner,  attained  to  the 
numerical  strength  of  2 17,  an  earnest  of  what  it  after- 
wards became,under  the  ministry  of  the  indefatigable  Barber. 

The  Danbury  Association,  in  Coiui.,  formed  in  1790, 
embracing  the  \vest  portion  of  the  state,  opened  a  correspon- 
dence with  this  body  by  their  messengers.  Elders  Hull  and 
Hamilton.  Other  bodies  were  represented  also  by  their 
messengers,  and  both  messengers  and  letters  were  returned 
in  exchange  with  them. 

The  following  items  of  business  are  on  record : 


CHAP.    I.]  FIRST    TEN    YEARS.    29 

«  8  Thursday  morning,  June  2nd,  Elder  Blood  delivered 
a  discourse  from  1  Cor.  4:  20,  "For  the  kingdom  of  God  is 
not  in  word,  but  in  power." . 

"  The  circular  letter  prepared  by  brother  Willoughby,  on 
the  subject  of  the  power  of  an  association,  being  accidentally 
mislaid,  did  not  come  to  hand,  therefore  appomted  Elders 
Werden,  Ganoand  Hull  to  prepare  a  circular  letter  on  that 
subject  for  the  present  year." 

Said  committee  afterward  reported  a  letter,  which  was  ap- 
proved and  printed,  and  may  be  found  below.  It  is  a  do- 
cument worthy  of  the  age,  and  deserving  present  study 
amon''  our  churches,for  the  sound  views  of  church  order  it 
exhibits.  Which  of  the  committee  produced  it,  we  are  un- 
able to  say.  ^         TVT-      -n    . 

"  12.  Query   from  the  church  at  Great  Nine  Partners : 
1.  Doe's    any  person,  merely   by  virtue  of  being  baptized, 
become  a  member  of  a  particular  visible  church  ? 
"  Answered  in  the  negative. 

"  Query  2.  Is  any  such  person  in  a  proper  circumstance 
for  church  communion  ? 

"  Answered  in  the  negative. 

«  13  Item.  Query  from  the  church  in  Ashfield  :  When 
any  matter  of  difficulty  has  been  fairly  discussed  by  a  coun- 
cil from  sister  churches,  has  any  neighboring  church  a  legal 
ri<^ht  to  demand  a  hearing  ot  said  difficulty  ?— provided 
those  justified  by  the  result  of  council  do  not  request  it,  and 
the  party  judged  to  be  in  the  wrong  refuse  to  join  in  coun- 
cil? 

«  Answered  in  the  negative. 

"  15.  Agreeable  to  a  motion  from  the  Warren  Associa- 
tion, on  the  utility  of  a  united  address  to  our  Congress,  ear- 
nestly praying  that  they  would  take  such  measures  as  the 
constitution' may  permit,  that  no  edition  of  the  Bible,  or  its 
translations,  be  published  in  America  without  its  being  care- 
fully inspected,  and  certified  to  be  free  from  errors  :  it  was 
voted  that  brethren  Blood,  Hull  and  Gano  be  a  committee 
in  behalf  of  this  association,to  prepare  and  transmit  a  peti- 
tion to  Congress  on  this  subject."  So  jealous  were  our 
fathers  of  effi^rts  to  circulate  spurious  editions  of  the  Bible. 
Here  is  the  promised  circular  for  1791  : 


30  SHAFTSBURY     ASSOCIATION.  [1791 

"CIRCULAR   LETTER,  (1731.) 
"  Dearly  Beloved  : 

"  In  our  minutes  of  last  year,  we  oxprosseJ  our  intention  of  ex- 
planing  the  third  article  of  tli"  plan  of  this  association  ;  wliicli  par- 
ticularly  relates  to  its  power.  In  order  to  throw  light  on  this  sub- 
ject, and  discover  tke  distinctions  really  existing  between  the  poM'er 
of  churches,  and  that  of  an  issoeiatiou ;  it  is  necessaiy  to  attend 
primarily  to  the  scripture  account  of  the  nature,  business,  poioer,  and 
government  of  a  gospel  clHirch,  in  two  different  branches. 

"I.  We  shall  attend  particularly  to  our  Saviour's  account  in  Math 
18,  of  the  nature  business,  power  and  goverumcDt  of  his  church  on 
earth ;  and  in  each  particular,  shall  inquire  for  the  apostles  under, 
standing  of  the  matter. 

"  L  In  verse  third  of  this  chapter,  our  Saviour  informs  us  that  the 
subjects  of  his  kingdom,  or  the  proper  members  of  his  ehm-eh,  are 
euch  as  are  "  converted  and  become  as  little  children."  Hence  we 
l-earn  that  the  chuixh  of  Christ,  is  made  up  of  persons  whose  hearts 
are  renewed  by  grace,  and  become  united  in  the  love  of  the  truth. — 
This  is  also  the  apostles'  idea  of  a  gospel  elmrch.  1  Pet.  II.  5,  "ye 
also  as  lively  stones  are  buUt  up  a  spiritual  house,  ttc,  also,  in  Eph_ 
11,22,  "iu  whom  ye  also  are  bullded  together  for  an  habitation  of 
God  through  the  spirit."  Indeed  all  Ihe  writings  of  the  apostles  are 
addressed  to  the  church  in  this  character. 

"2.  The  work  which  Christ  has  assigned  to  his  church  in  this 
world,  is  truly  important  and  solemn ;  for  notwithstanding  all  the 
opposition  and  offences  she  may  receive  from  a  sinful  world,  yet  she 
is  instrimicntally,  (by  the  help  of  grace,)  to  preserve  the  world  from 
entire  darkness,  corruption  and  infidelity  ;  by  holding  up  and  main- 
taining the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  in  the  earth,  while  the 
world  in  general,  lieth  iu  wickedness.  As  ten  righteous  would  have 
stayed  the  hand  of  God,  from  the  overtlirow  of  Sodom,  so  the  kind 
Lord  sjjares  a  guilty  world  for  his  people's  sake ;  Lence  says  our 
Saviour,  "ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  ;  "  Math.  5,  13  ;  and  in  verses, 
14,  16,  he  says;  "ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A  city  set  on  a  hill 
cannot  be  hid.  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  <fec."  That  is, 
let  the  great  doctrine  of  Christ  in  its  various  branches,  both  in  faith 
and  practice,  be  truly  distinguished,  exemplified,  and  held  forth  by 
you,  that  tki  world  may  have  the  glorious  cause  of  truth  set  before 
thorn  in  the  clearest  light,  both  in  doctrine  and  example. 


CHAP.   I.] 


FIRST   TEN   YEARS.  31 


"The  church  is  said  to  be  "the  pillar  and  ground  of  the  truth  ;" 
1  Tim.  3  :  ir) ;  by  which  we  learn  that  the  church  is  entrusted  with 
the  important'charge  to  stand  as  a  pillar  to  bear  up  and  support  the 
cause  of  truth  in  the  earth  ;  or  on  which  the  inscriptions  of  truth  are 
written  for  the  light  of  the  world;  and  thereby  show  forth  the  decla- 
rative glory  of  God,  to  whom  she  must  be  accountable  for  all  her  ac 
tions.  Hence  we  infer,  that  as  it  is  the  church  only  that  has  received 
this  charge,  it  is  she  only  that  has  proper  authority  to  execute  it. 

«  3.  It  must  then  be  the  prerogative  of  the  church  to  say,  who  shall 
be  received  as  members  of  the  visible  church  of  Christ  on  earth. 
This  agrees  with  our  Savior's  direction,  Math.jlS  :  3,  that  such  as  give 
good  evidence  of  their  being  renewed,  and  becoming  like  little  chil- 
dren, should  be  received  in  his  name.  So  the  apostles  received  it  as 
in  Rom.  15  :  7,  "  Wherefore  receive  ye  one  another,  as  Christ  also 
received  us,  to  the  glory  of  God,"  and  chap.  14  :  1,  "  Him  that  is 
weak  in  the  faith  receive  ye,  but  not  to  doubtful  disputations."  From 
the  whole,  it  appears  that  it  is  the  church  that  is  directed  to  deter- 
mine who  are  fit  members  to  be  received. 

"  Again,  it  is  on  the  principles  of  gospel  fellowship  that  the  church 
of  Christ  is  built  up,  and  becomes  "  one  body  and  one  bread,  knit  to 
gether  with  joints  and  bands,"  1  Cor.  18  :  17,  and  Col.  2  :  19,  which 
can  be  done  in  no  other  way  but  by  the  churches  gaining  the  evidence 
that  those  they  receive  are  renewed  persons,  and  made  to  drink  into 
the  same  spirit  of  faith  and  love ;  that  upon  the  judgment  of  charity 
they  may  receive  them  as  real  members  of  Christ's  mystical  body. 
In  this  way  only  can  we  obtain  "  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bonds 
of  peace,"  and  be  "fitly  joined  together  and  compacted  by  that 
which  every  joint  may  supply,  according  to  the  effectual  working  in 
the  measure  of  every  part,  that  maketh  increase  of  the  body  to  the 
edifying  of  itself  in  love"  ;  Eph.  4  -..3,  16  ;  so  that  whoever  pleads  for 
the  admission  of  church  members  in  any  other  way  than  by  the  fel- 
lowship and  suffrage  of  the  church,  as  a  tody,  pleads  for  the  building 
up  of  a  church  without  even  the  means  of  charity  and  gospel  union, 
without  which  we  are  nothing.     1  Cor.  13:2. 

«  4.  Again,  if  it  be  the  church's  province  to  say  who  shall  he  ad- 
mitted, it  is  her's  also  to  say  wJio  shall  be  continued  as  visible  mem- 
bers.  'it  is  one  important  branch  of  the  church's  business  in  this 
world  to  watch  over  her  members  for  good,  and  to  exclude  such  from 
her  fellowship  as  are  transgressors  of  divine  rule,  cither  in  faith  or 
practice,  provided  always  that  they  cannot  bo  gained  by  those  steps  of 


82  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1791 

labor  the  gospel  requires  to  be  taken  with  them.  In  verses  8  and  9 
of  the  chapter  under  consideration,  (Math.  1 8th,)  we  learn  that  although 
a  member  may  be  as  dear  as  a  hand,  or  a  foot,  or  an  eye,  yet  if  they 
give  just  occasion  of  offence,  and  cannot  be  gained,  they  must  be  cut 
off  and  rejected.  In  this  hght  the  apostle  commanded  the  churches, 
1  Cor.  5  :  4,  5,  "When  ye  are  gathered  together,  with  the  power  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  deliver  such  an  one  unto  Satan  for  the  des- 
truction of  the  flesh,  that  the  spirit  may  bo  saved  in  the  day  of  the 
Lord  Jesus ;"  and  Chap.  6 :  2,  he  says,  "  Do  ye  not  know  that  the 
saintjs  shall  judge  the  world,and  if  the  world  shall  bo  judged  by  you, 
are  ye  unworthy  to  judge  the  smallest  matters  ?"  Again,  in  2  Thes. 
3  :  C,  he  says,  "  Now  we  command  you  brethren,  in  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Chi-ist,  that  y  e  withdraw  yourselves  from  every  brother 
that  walketh  disorderly,  and  not  after  the  tradition  ye  received  of  us." 
And  it  is  easy  to  see  from  our  Savior's  discourse,  Math.  18:  10, 
it  is  the  church  that  was  to  take  heed  in  her  discipline,  not  to  despise 
one  of  these  little  ones.  It  is  she  also  who  is  required  to  be  carefu' 
to  look  up  and  bring  hmne  those  who  have  gone  astray,  and  if  restored 
to  receive  them  with  Joy.  See  verses  12,  14.  Furthennore,  the  rule 
given  to  deal  with  those  guilty  of  pxivate  offences,  7>iust  issue  in  tel- 
ling it  to  the  church,  as  the  proper  board  of  trial,  from  which  there  is 
DO  appeal  to  any  higher  place  of  trial  on  earth  ;  for  if  he  hear  not  the 
church  he  is  to  be  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican,  without  any  further 
trials.  In  verse  18th  we  have  the  authority  of  the  church  expressed 
in  the  fullest  manner  :  "  Verily,  1  say  unto  you,  whatsoever  ye  shal] 
bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven,aud  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose 
on  earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven."  By  this  we  are  assured  that 
whenever  councils,  associations,  and  synods  assume  the  seat  of  judging 
decisively,  in  cases  of  discipline,they  become  mere  usurpers  and  intru- 
ders upon  the  government  of  the  church.  Our  Savior  concludes  the 
chapter  under  consideration,  by  encouraging  his  people  to  look  to  him 
for  wisdom  and  a  sound  judgment,  and  the  sure  proiyiise  that  he  will 
be  in  the  midst ;  also  by  urging  the  necessity  of  a  spirit  of  forgive- 
ness, at  all  times. 

•'  It  is  also  the  church's  province  to  try,  prove,  and  judge  of  those  who 
profess  to  be  ministers  of  Christ,  and  receive  or  reject  them  according 
as  they  appear  to  be  true  or  false.  Hence  the  church  is  commanded 
to  "try  the  spirits  whether  they  are  of  God,  because  many  false 
prophets  are  gone  out  into  the  world."     1  John  4:  1.    Again,  the 


CHAP.  I.]  FIRST    TEN    YEARS. 33 

church  at  Ephesus  met  with  the  divine  approbation.because  she  had 
"  tried  them  that  said  they  were  apostles  and  were  not,  and  found 
them  liars."  Rev.  2  :  2.  This,  God  would  never  have  justified,  had 
ehe  undertaken  to  judge  in  matters  beyond  her  limits. 

"  If  then  she  has  a  right  to  try,  prove  and  judge  of  church  officers, 
she  has  an  undoubted  right  to  appoint  them ;  for  who  else  can  have 
a  right  to  say  who  shall  jbe  the^officers  to  serve  the  church, "-but  those 
who  are  to  re-judge  of  their  qualifications  ?  We  are  therefore  ne- 
cessarily led  to  think  it  is  the  ^fiurch  only  who  has  a  right  to  appoint 
those,  who  are  to  be  the  immediate  actors  in  behalf  of  the  church,  in 
consecratmg,  ordaining,  or  setting  apart  those  officers  to  their  work. 

"  JFrom  the  scripture  account,  it  appears  to  us,  that  the  churches  in 
the  days  of  primitive  Christianity  were  dependent  on  those  actually 
in  office,  to  act  for  them  in  ordaining  theu-  officers.  We  therefore 
think  It  not  expedient  for  any  church  to  appoint  (or  ordain)  those  who 
are  not  in  office, to  that  work,  excepting  in  extraordinary  cases.  The 
primitive  practice  may  be  learned  from  the  following  scriptures: 
Acts  6 :  6—14 :  23—13  :  2  ;  and  Titus  1:5;  and  1  Tim.  4:  14. 

"  As  to  the  power  of  cUirch  cfficers,  it  appears  from  the  word  of 
God  that  the  Apostles  had  tlie  special  gift  of  infallible  inspiration,  or 
the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  by  which  they  unlocked  those 
mysteries  which  had  been  hid  in  God,  and  had  not  before  been  re- 
vealed ;— See  Math.  16:  19  ;  1  Cor.  2:7;  Eph.  3 :  9  ;— by  which  it 
appears  that  they  had  power  to  give  special  orders  and  precepts  to 
the  churches,  as  well  as  to  foretell  future  events  that  should  come 
upon  the  church  and  world. 

"  As  to  the  office  of  Bishop,  or  the  Gospel  Ministry,  they  have  a 
special  commission  from  Christ,  to  go  forth  and  teach  and  baptize. 
When  fellowshipped  and  ordained  by  the  church,  the  church  is  only  to 
inspect  their  doctrine  and  morals,  but  is  not  to  control  them  as  to 
when  and  where  they  shall  preach.  They  only  are  accountable  to 
God  for  the  fulfilment  of  their  commission.  Math.  28  ;  19,  "  Go  ye 
and  teach  aU  nations,  &c." 

"  But  if,  by  their  consent,  they  are  appointed  as  Pastors  of  particu. 
lar  churches,  then  they  are  said  to  have  the  rule  over  them,  and  the 
chm-ch  is  to  be  in  subjection  to  them ;— Heb.  13:  T ;  and  1  Thess.  5  : 
12  ;— but  not  as  law-givers  ;  this  is  the  work  of  Christ  ;—nox  a.'a  judges, 
to  hear,  try,  and  judge  for  them  ;  this  is  the  church's  province  only, 
to  judge  in  all  cases  of  disciphne.  But  they  are  to  bo  submitted  to  as 
those  to  iiLhom  God  has  given  special  gifts  of  lead  and  government, 


34  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION,  [l791 

by  which  the  church  is  led  to  an  easy  method  of  coming  to  the  true 
light  of  the  causes  she  is  called  to  judge  in. 

"The  Deacons  also  are  to  lead  in  the  goTernnicntof  all  the  secular 
concerns  of  the  church,  so  far  as  they  respect  her  public  charges. 
See  Acts  6  :  2,  3,  4.  Thus,  brethren,  wc  have  set  before  you  our 
views  of  church  power  and  government. 

"  II,  We  come  now  to  speak  of  an  association,  by  which  wc  mean 
no  more  than  a  number  of  churches  in,  sister  relation,  mutually  agree- 
ing to  meet  by  their  delegates,  at  stated  seasons,  iciv  free  conference, 
on  those  matters  that  concern  the  general  good  of  the  churches  ;  that 
we  might  be  mutual  helpers  to  each  other  by  giving  and  receiving  in- 
telligence of  each  other's  welfare  ;  that  wc  may  sympathise  with,  and 
pray  for  each  other,  and  so  be  partners  in  the  joys  and  sorrows  that 
await  us  in  this  changing  world. 

"  In  which  conference,any  church  has  a  right  to  propose  any  ques- 
tion that  relates  to  doctrine  or  (/iseZ/jZine,  provided  that  such  questions 
are  always  so  circumstanced,  that  the  solution  of  them  will  not  inter- 
fere with  the  government  of  particular  churches, 

"  On  authentic  information  of  the  purity  of  faith  and  practice  of 
any  sister  church,  which  desires  to  be  received  as  a  member  of  thia 
conference,  it  is  the  privilege  and  liberty  of  this  association  to  give 
them  fellowship,  and  to  receive  them  as  a  member  of  this  conference 
But  in  case  any  church.or  churches  shall  apostatize  from  the  faith,  and 
become  corrupt,  on  infoiTnation  from  sister  churches,  who  have  taken 
gospel  steps  to  reclaim  them,  and  have  not  succeeded,  but  have  ne- 
cessarily been  called  "to  withdraw  from  them,"  it  is  the  duty  of  this 
association  to  sympathize  with  those  grieved  churches  in  their  sor- 
rows, and  to  inform  the  churches  in  general, that  we  consider  those 
churches  who  have  fallen.no  longer  in  our  fellowship.  It  is  (also)  the 
duty  of  this  association  to  give  information  of  apostates  and  corrupt 
men  in  the  ministry,  that  the  churches  may  not  be  imposed  upon  by 
them.  In  case  any  church  that  is  a  member  of  this  conference.shall 
neglect  to  attend  with  us  in  conference,  it  is  but  an  act  of  brotlierly 
kindness  in  us  to  inquire  for  the  reasons  of  such  neglect ;  and  if  any 
church  chooses  not  to  meet  any  more  with  us  in  this  manner,  it  is  rea- 
sonable they  should  let  us  know  it,in  a  christian  way.  If  any  church 
think  it  best  not  to  continue  a  member  of  this  meeting,  it  is  unrea- 
sonable to  publish  their  names  annexed  to  the  transactions  of  a  meet 
ing,  of  which  they   did  not  consider  themselves  members.    In  such 


CHAP.  1.]  FIRST    TEN    YEARS. 


cases  "we  may  drop  them  from  our  minute?,  and  publish  <ho  reasons 
for  80  doing.  But  any  church's  not  becoming  or  continuing  a  member 
of  this  conferencCjis  not  considered  a  bar  of  our  fellowship  with  them, 

"  Finally,  brethren,  we  consider  ourselves  to  have  no  ■povicr  as  an 
association  to  determine  any  cases  of  discipline  in  the  churches.  But 
•we  are  only  to  give  cnir  advice  and  opinion  in  those  points,  and  intelli- 
gence in  such  matters  as  come  within  ths  limits  of  a  free  christian 
conference. 

'•  From  what  has  been  said,  we  learn  that  it  is  the  church  onhj,ax\iX 
7iot  an  association  of  churches,  or  of  ministers,  that  is  authorized  to 
execute  church  discipline. 

"  We  are  sensible  that  some  may  object  to  this,  and  say,  that  the 
church  is  imperfect  and  liable  to  make  wrong  judgment.  True, — but 
if  we  admit  of  decisive  councils,  to  whose  judgsneut  the  cliureb  7nn&t 
submit, — if  their  judgment  is  in  opposition  to  the  church,  and  the 
church  is  not  convinced  that  they  were  wrong, — they  cannot  restore 
the  member  rejected,without  counteracting  their  own  judgments;  and 
if  they  do  it  upon  the  jadgraent  of  others,  still  they  can  have  no 
more  fellowship  with  such  a  person  than  before.  It  appears  hence, 
thai  decisive  councils  immediately  militate  against  real  fellowship  and 
gospel  union  in  the  churches.  But  councils,  for  advice  only,  in  diffi. 
cult  cases,  are  useful.  In  this  way,  cliurcbes  and  brethren  may  gain 
light,  and  all  their  difficulties  be  happily  settled. 

"  Dear  brethren,  we  now  conclude,  wishing  you  much  of  the  divine 
presence,  and  heavenly  wisdom  and  skill,  which  are  necessary  to  the 
right  management  of  church  government,  that  you  may  meet  with 
the  divine  approlj^tion  in  the  great  day  of  accounts,  wliich  may  Ihc 
Lord  grant  for  the  Redeemer's  sake.  Amen. 

"  By  order  of  the  Association.         "  CALEB  BLOOD,  Moderator. 

"  Samuel  "Whelfly,  Jr.,  Clerk." 

Were  the  stern  principles  of  gospel  truth  in  regard  to 
church  order,  here  inculcated,  more  warmly  cherished  and 
practised  in  all  our  church  and  associational  relations,  Zion's 
light  would  stream  abroad,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  rise 
upon  us. 

We  insert  here  the  statistical  table  of  the  state  of  the 
churches  for  the  year  1791,  that  the  growth  of  the  body  du- 
ring the  first  ten  years  of  its  existence  may  be  seen.  Truly 
did  "  the  little  one  become  a  thousand"  here  in  the  wilder- 
ness under  the  favor  of  a  covenant-keeping  God.     The  five 


36 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 


[1791 


feeble  churches  that  met,and  tremblingly  unfurled  their  ban- 
ner in  1781,  now  gratefully  to  God,  look  upon  an  army  of 
26  companies  or  churches,  and  nearly  1800  members. 


Chueohes. 


J^ittsjield, 
Stillwater, 


West  Shaftshury,\ 
JEaat  Shaftshury,\ 
Adams, 


New  Bethlehetn, 
Sandisfield, 

Washington, 

Bottskill, 

Little  Hoosick, 

Halifax^, 

Hillsdale, 
PaiolingstoW7i , 
Great  Ni-tte-Partncrs 
New  Britain, 

2d    Lancsboro,    or    2d 
Cheshire, 

4ih  Shaftshury, 
Stockbridge, 


Ash  field. 

Bullocks  Grant,  or  1st 

Savoy, 
New  Galloway,  or  First 

Galway, 
Chesterfield, 
Saratoga, 
2  CoUrahi, 
Northeastown, 

St.  Coyk. 


26  Churches. 


Ministers  &,  Messengers 
*  A  bsent.     •}•  No  Report. 


Valentine    Ratiibun,   D. 

Eathbun. 
L.  Powers,  David  Irish. 

E.  Sayles,  S.  Sayles,  T. 

Husted. 


Peter    "Werden,    Gideon 

Henman,  Stephen  Car 
penter,  Odad  Eddy. 

Wm.  David. 

Joshua  Morse,    S.  Shep 

herd,  Jesse  Morse. 
John   Nichols,  A.  Kings 

ly,  S.   Wadsworlh. 
Natiien    Tanner,  Robert 

Kenyon. 
Justus  Hull,  R.  Niles. 
E.  Moffitt,  H.  Reynolds 


S.  Gang,  Samuel  "West. 
3.  Waldo,  Joha   Waldo. 
Joseph  Randel. 

Asa  Palmer,  Isaac 


Beeman. 

Nathan  Mason,*  Hezeki 
ah  Mason,  D.  Mason,  A 
Whipple,  Squire  Munro. 

Caleb  Blood,  A.    Waldo 

Sam'l  Whelpley,  C- 

Chapman,  Sam.  Whelp- 
ley, jr. 

Ebenezer  Smith. 

Nathan  Haskins,  A.  Reed 

A.  Peck.  J.  Green 


field. 
Ebenezer  Vinino. 
S.  Rogers,  S,  Munger. 
Edmund  Littlefield. 
Simon    Dakin,    Jonathan 

Haj's,  Chas.    Patterson. 

— — Jehiel  Fox. 


19  Ministers. 


182 


16 


24 


46 


408  63  3115 


CHAPTER   IL 


Annals  of  the  Body  from  1192  to  ISOO;  or  for  the  second  decade  of  years. 
A  period  of  great  enlargement. 


The  second  chapter  in  this  history,  covering  the  nint* 
years  from  1792  to  1800,  embraces  a  period  of  enlargement 
and  prosperity.among  most  of  the  churches, — in  which  great 
showers  of  Divine  Grace  descended  upon  all  the  hills  of 
Zion.  The  extension  of  our  peculiar  sentiments  as  a  de- 
nomination,— in  the  multiplication  of  converts, — the  forma- 
tion of  new  and  strong  churches  in  important  places, — and 
the  increase  of  ministers  of  the  Word  of  Life, — able  and 
successful  men,  distinguishes  this  period  of  the  existence 
of  the  association  more  than  any  other. 

From  26  churches,  19  ministers,  and  1,754  members  in 
1791, — the  association  was  enlarged  in  these  nine  years,  to 
46  churches,  having  33  ministers,  and  more  than  4,100 
members.  This  has  been  an  interesting  chapter  to  the  wri- 
ter, and  no  doubt  it  will  be  equally  satisfactory  to  the  chris- 
tian reader,  awakening  his  gratitude  to  God,  for  the  won- 
ders of  his  redeeming  grace,  among  the  churcheg,  in  those 
days  of  our  Fathers. 

1792. 

Of  the  session  for  this  year,  we  have  no  minutes,  and 
therefore  can  say  but  little,  and  that  chiefly  by  way  of  infer- 
ence from  the  minutes  of  the  preceding  and  succeeding  years. 
The  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  at  Elder  Power's 
meeting  house  in  Stillwater, — Elder  Blood,  preacher,  and 
Elder  Waldo,  his  alternate.  The  circular  was  to  have  been 
written  by  Br.  Samuel  Whelpley,  jr.  Deducting  the  addi- 
tions of  the  following  year,  fr©m  the  totals  of  said  year,  and 

*  The  minutes  for  ISOl  were  not  attained  when  this  was  written,  hence  wc  clos- 
ed this  chapter  with  the  minutes  for  the  year  1300,  making  but  nine  years  iu  the 
chapter. 

3 


88  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1792 

the  whole  membership  of  the  churches,  must  have  been  about 
2,100,  showmg  an  increase  of  more  than  350  during  the 
year.  The  following  seven  churches  united  at  the  session 
of  1792,  as  shown  by  the  new  names  on  the  minutes,  viz : 
1  Hartford,  Washington  co.  (called  Westfield  at  first,)  1 
Chreenjield  ;  2  Galway ;  and  3  Galway,  Saratoga  co. ; — 
Pittstown  and  Mapletown,  (since  Hoosick)  in  Rensselaer  co. 
N.  Y. ;  and  the  church  in  Somerset,  a  mountain  town,  east 
of  Shaftsbury,  in  Vermont, 

Of  revivals  reported  this  year,  it  is  impossible  to  speak 
definitely  ;  but  there  must  have  been  large  accessions  to  the 
Stillwater  church  again,  under  the  care  of  Elders  Powers 
and  Irish.  In  1793,  they  reported  413  members  ;  from 
which  if  we  deduct  the  increase  of  this  year,  91,  and  add 
its  diminutions,  and  we  have  about  333  as  the  number  of  the 
Stillwater  church  in  1792,  an  advance  of  about  100  from  the 
year  previous.  By  similar  calculations  we  find  that  about 
25  had  been  added  to  the  chuixh  at  Pawlingstown,  under 
Elder  "Waldo's  care  ;  to  the  2nd  Lanesboro,  20  ;  and  to  the 
Saratoga,  20.     It  was  a  year  of  progress  in  the  body. 

1793. 

The  Thirteenth  session  was  held  at  Pittstown,  with  the 
church  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Isaac  Webb,  whose 
name  now  appears  for  the  first  time  on  the  minutes  ;  though 
it  occurs  after  this,  for  nearly  25  years.  The  opening  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  Elder  Waldo,  from  1  John,  3  :  2. 
"  Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  &c."  Elder  Blood 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Thomas  Whelpley,  clerk,  of  this 
session.  The  churches  in  Poional,  Vt.,  and  Franklin,  Del- 
aware CO.,  N.  Y.,  united  withjhe  Body.  The  whole  num- 
ber of  churches  on  the  minutes  was  35,  with  19  ministers, 
261  added,  15  dismissed,  23  excluded,  18  died,  and  a  total 
of  2,502  members. 

In  three  or  four  churches,  extensive  revivals  had  been 
enjoyed.  To  the  Stillwater  church,  91  had  been  added;  to 
the  1  Greenfield,  Elder  Joseph  Craw,  G9  ;  to  the  3  Che- 
shire, Elder  J.  Leland  Pastor,  an  addition  of  38  was  re- 
ported, making  their  number  163.  The  church  in  Hartford 
N.  Y.  under  the  care  of  Elder  Araasa  Brown,  had  received 


CHAP.  II.]  SECOND    TEN    YEARS.  39 

27,  and  their  whole  number  was  146.  To  the  Bottskill 
church,  Nathan  Tanner,  Pastor,  20  were  added.  To  the 
church  under  Elder  Hull's  care  at  Little  Hoosick,  now  call- 
ed Stephentown,  13 ;  to  the  New  Bethlehem,  17  ;  1  San- 
disfield,  11  ;  Pawlingstown,  Elder  Waldo,  10;  Stockbridge 
and  West  Stockbridge,  Elder  Samuel  Whelpley,  13  ;  Ches- 
terfield, Elder  Ebenezer  Vining,  7 ;  1  Saratoga,  Elder 
Samuel  Rogers,  12 ;  Pittstown,  Elder  I.  Webb,  9.  These 
were  the  largest  accessions,  and  truly  to  have  heard  the 
letters  read  from  these  several  churches,  must  have  been 
animating  to  the  servants  and  saints  of  God,  and  caused  them 
to  "sit  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus,"  while 
they  recounted  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  in  his  earthly  tem- 
ple. It  was  "a  feast  of  fat  things,"  to  the  soul,  and  greatly 
did  they  enjoy  it. 

Sermons  were  preached  during  the  session  by  Elder  Val- 
entine Eathbun,  from  Col.  3 ;  4 ; — and  by  Elder  Leland 
from  Acts  23  ;  6,  "I  am  a  Pharisee,"  as  a  closing  discourse. 
Elder  Leland  had  united  with  this  body,  the  year  past, — 
after  his  return  from  Virginia,  where  he  had  labored  very 
successfully  for  some  15  years,  and  baptised  about  700  per- 
sons. The  circular  letter  of  this  year,  was  from  his  pen,  on 
the  "Divine  inspiration  of  the  Bible  ;" — and  contains  a  va- 
riety of  quaint  sayings,  peculiar  to  its  author.  The  extract 
following  is  a  specimen  : 

"Beloved  Beetheen  : 

"It  is  a  leading  characteristic  of  the  Baptists,  that,  without  Popo 
or  King,  for  head, — without  spiritual  or  civil  courts,  established  by 
law, — without  a  conclave  of  Bishops,  or  convocation  of  clergy — with- 
out legalized  creeds,  or  formularies  of  worship, — without  a  ministry 
supported  by  law,  or  any  human  coercion  in  discipline,  they  are  so 
far  united  in  sentiment,  respecting  the  New  Testament,  that  a  free 
correspondence  and  communion  circulate  among  them.  They  have 
no  King  (on  earth)  yet  they  go  forth,  all  of  them  by  bands.  The  Bible 
is  the  only  confession  of  faith,  they  dare  adopt ; — the  final  umpire 
they  appeal  unto,  for  a  decision  of  controversies. 

"But  while  we  would  felicitate  ourselves  with  this  infallible  guide, 
■we  find  ourselves  boldly  attacked  by  deists  and  infidels, — who  seek 
to  sap  the  foundation  of  our  religion, — by  asserting  that  Moses  and 
the  Prophets  were  enthueiaatical  cheats ; — and  that  Jesus  and  his 


40  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIAtlON.  [l793 

Apostles  were  but  pitiful  imposteis  :  That  all  tbeir  writings  are  like 
modern  priestcraft ; — lile  Iht  sublime  nonsente  of  Jesuits.  IS  otwilb- 
.  standing  the  variety  of  opinions,  and  discordance  of  sounds  among 
those  infidels  ; — yet  they  are  alike  confident,  and  equally  assiduous 
in  declaring  u'hat  is  not  true, — and  never  tell  us  wltat  iruth  is.  With 
all  their  boasted  illumination,  in  the  ground  and  law  of  nature,  they 
never  tell  us  what  natural  religion  is,  nov  how  the  God  of  nature  is  to 
be  worshipped." 

The  circular  goes  on  then  lo  substantiate  the  Divine  ori- 
gin of  the  Bible,  by  its  antiquity, — the  honesty  of  its  writers, 
— the  unity  of  the  faith  taught — by  so  many  writers  in  dif- 
ferent ages  and  nations  ; — by  the  exact  fulfilment  of  prophe- 
cy,— sublimity  of  style, — the  wonderful  effects  of  reading 
and  explaining  the  sacred  writings  on  .the  hearts  and  lives 
of  men  ; — by  the  patience  of  those  who  have  suffered  for  the 
truth, — the  careful  preservation  of  the  scriptures, — their  re- 
proof of  all  vice  and  sin, —  the  honor  they  bestow  upon  God, 
— the  judgments  that  have  fallen  npon  the  enemies  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  the  wonderful  system  of  miracles  that  attend- 
ed the  labors  and  confirmed  the  missions  of  those  who  spoke 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  This  is  a  brief  epitome  of  the  rea- 
sons assigned  in  favor  of  the  Scriptures,  as  the  word  of  God, 
— and  then  the  letter  closes  in  the  following  manner : 

"Our  faith  is 'firm  in  the  divinity  of  the  Old  Testament,  as  it  is  in 
the  New  ; — but  as  many  things  in  the  Old  Testament  are  only  his- 
torical,— others  form  a  code  of  political  laws  and  moral  precepts  ; — 
while  many  things  therein,  were  typical  and  temporary, — suited  to 
the  condition  of  a  national  church  ; — we  believe  that  christians  should 
have  recour.s«  to  the  New  Testament  for  precepts  and  precedents  to 
direct  them  in  social  worship. 

"By  what  we  have  written,  our  desiie  is,  Dear  Brethren,  that  your 
faith  be  confirmed  iu  the  Holy  Scripture,  in  this  day  of  Infidelity, 
and  that  m  all  your  conduct,  you  may  give  heed  thereto,  as  unto  a 
light  shining  in  a  dark  place,  and  thereby  prove  to  all  that  behold 
you,  that  you  are  Bible  Chrisiians."* 

This  was  no  doubt  a  timely  production,  to  establish  and 
confirm  the  churches  in  the  faith  of  God's  irord  ;  when 
Fi'ench  iufidelity  was  not  only    poisoning  the  minds  of  its 

*  This  circular  may  bo  found  entire  In  Elder  Leland's  "Works. 


HAP.  II.]  SECOND    TEN    YEARS.  41 

own  ualion, — but,  from  the  free  intercourse  of  our  people 
with  the  French,  and  the  natural  sympatiiy  between  the 
natioHS, — the  evils  of  that  system  were  rapidly  difiusing 
themselves  in  our  land. 

But  to  return  to  the  business  of  the  association.  Nothing 
of  a  marked  character  transpired,  worthy  of  farther  notice, 
save  that  a  delegation  of  five  Ministers,  Elders  Blood, 
Powers,  Hull,  Leland  and  Nichols,  were  appointed  to  at- 
tend, what  was  termed  the  '■^General  Committee, — to  be  held 
the  last  Wednesday  in  June,  1793,  at  Cheshire."  It  does 
not  appear  on  the  minutes,  what  was  the  design  of  this  com- 
mittee, though  it  is  referred  to,  in  the  associational  minutes 
for  several  years. 

Delegates  were  received  from,  and  others  appointed  to, 
the  several  corresponding  associations,  viz, — The  Warren, 
Philadelphia,  StoniMgton,  Danbury,  Woodstock  and  Ver- 
mont. 

The  following  matter  of  business  is    worthy  of  remark  : 

"10.  Appointed  Elder  Blood  Treasurer  and  Secretary ; 
— to  keep  the  money  and  papers  belonging  to  the  Associa- 
tion." 

Therecords  of  such  a  body  should  have  a  permanent  place 
of  deposit  as  well  as  "ihe  funds  it  may  possess.  After  the 
appointments  for  the  next  session  were  made  as  usual,  the 
body  adjourned  to  meet  at  Pownal,  A^'t.,  in  1794.* 

1794. 

The  Fourteenth  Anniversary  of  the  Body  was  held  at 
Pownal,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  June  4th  and  5th, 
1794.  The  opening  discourse  was  by  Elder  L.  Powers,  of 
Stillwater,  from  1  Tim.  3:  1, — "This  is  a  true  saying,  If  a 
man  desire  the  office  of  a  Bishop,  he  desireth  a  good  work." 
The  venerable  Peter  Werden  of  1  Cheshire,  the  father 
or  founder  of  this  Association,  now  66  years  of  age,  was 
chosen  Moderator, — and  Samuel  Whelpley,  jr.,  clerk. 

These  six  churches  united  this  session,  viz, — Norway, 
Hei'kimer  co..  2  Saratoga  and  Milton,  Saratoga  co.,  2  Ca- 
naan, Columbia    co.  N.   Y.,  and  the   Hancock  and    Great 

*  The  minutes  were  printed  this   year  and  for   several  years  at  Lansing- 
BUEGH  ;— BY  Sylvester  Tlffant,  for  the  Eevekknd  Association. 


42  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1794 

Barrington,  (now  Egremont)  in  Mass.  The  number  of 
churches  reported  this  session,  were  40,  ministers,  23 ; 
added,  345  ;  dismissed,  188  ;  excluded,  78  ;  died,  29  ; 
total,  2,809.  These  statistics  indicate  enterprise  and  pro- 
gress, as  well  as  the  Divine  Blessing  upon  the  labors  ot  his 
servants  and  people.  Revivals  had  strengthened  and  en- 
larged some  of  the  churches,  and  some  additions  had  been 
made  to  the  majority  during  the  year.  The  Pownal  church, 
under  the  care  of  Elder  Caleb  Nichols,  had  been  favored 
with  the  largest  accession,  64  having  been  added  to  their 
number,  making  137  in  all.  Elder  Amasa  Brown,  of  1 
Hartford,  had  received  50  to  his  church  ; — Elder  S.  Whelp- 
ley,  of  Stockbridge  and  West  Stockbridge,  44 ;  Elder  S. 
Rogers,  of  1  Saratoga,  40  ; — The  Franklin  church,  Delaware 
CO.  had  added  31  ; — Elder  Hull's  church,  Steventown,  20 ; 
Elder  J.  Leland,  the  3rd  Cheshire,  15  ; — Elder  Joseph  Cor- 
nell's church,  2  Galway,  13  ; — New  Bethlehem,  12  ,  Botts- 
kill,  10; — Elder  Jonathan  Finch's  church,  3  Galway,  9; — 
Elder  Blood's  7,  at  4th  Shaftsbury; — and  Elder  J.  Craw, 
at  1  Greenfield,  8. 

This  session  was  harmonious,  and  a  sermon  was  preached 
by  Elder  Wells  of  the  Stonington  Association  from  John 
12:  21,  "/SiV,  %oe  would  see  Jesus"  on  Thursday  morning. 
Of  business  matters,  the  following  deserve  mention. 

"8.  Dismissed  the  Pawlingstown  church,  to  the  Danbury 
Association ;  also  dismissed  the  2d  church  in  Colerain,  and 
the  Somerset  church,  to  the  Leyden  Association." 

"11.  Agreeably  to  a  motion  made  by  the  Stockbridge  and 
West  Stockbridge  church,  this  association  recommends  to  all 
the  churches  in  our  connexion,  to  pay  a  strict  and  careful 
attention  to  regular  gospel  church  discipline." 

Appointments  were  made  for  the  next  year,  at  Stillwater, 
and  the  following  Nota  Bene,  is  inserted  at  the  close  of  the 
minutes : 

"N.  B.  It  is  the  request  of  some  of  the  members  of  this 
association,  that  the  several  associations  with  whom  we  cor- 
respond, would  print  their  minutes  in  sizeable  octave.  By 
this,  we  judge  a  valuable  end  might  be  answered ; — by  be- 
ing all  of  one  size,  they  might  easily  be  reduced  to  a  vol- 
ume, without  any  expense  ;  and  being  ranged  in  order  from 
year  to  year,  and  bound  together,  they  will  naturally  be 


CHAP.   II.]  SECOND   TEN   YEARS.  43 

preserved.     The  various  circular  letters  they  contain,  will 

be  richly  worthy  of  perusal  and  preservation ; — they  will 
contain  a  body  of  divinity,  in  a  familiar  style  of  letter  wri- 
ting. 

"  This  method,  followed  a  few  years  will  produce  at  once 
a  more  extensive  history,  and  accurate  register  of  the  Bap- 
tists in  America,  than  any  other.  It  will  contain,  at  least, 
particular  and  extensive  information,  for  rising  generations, 
without  any  expense,  but  merely  the  care  of  preserving, 
to  this  end,  an  octave  size  will  ba  best."  A  wise  sugges- 
tion.    Would  that  it  had  been  regarded  by  the  Body  itself. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
Isaac  Webb  of  Pittstown,  on  the  '■^Agency  of  the  Holy  Spir- 
it" upon  the  heart  of  man  in  oi'der  to  conversion  and  sanc- 
tification.  It  is  an  able  and  sound  document,  and  we  give 
an  extract  or  two  that  will  show  its  general  character : 

"The  agency  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  is  that  operation  of  Divine  power 
■which  either  renews  the  sinner  in  the  image  of  God,  or  afterwards 
produces  in  him  divine  conformity  to  that  image.  It  is  the  effectual 
operations  of  God's  spirit,  of  which  we  intend  to  treat,  in  distinction 
from  that  operation  which  attended  Saul  among  the  prophets,  or  Ju- 
das among  the  apostles.  We  speak  of  that  powerful  operation  which 
renews  the  heart  of  the  dead  sinner,  translates  him  out  of  the  king- 
dom of  darkness  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son,  and  carries  on 
the  work  begun  by  this  change  until  it  be  consummated  in  glory 
The  person  who  is  the  subject  of  these  effectual  operations  is  not  only 
rationally  convinced  that  he  is  a  sinner,  but  he  is  thoroughly  roused 
up  to  a  sense  of  his  condition.  His  fiwakened,  his  convinced,  his  af- 
frighted soul  begins  to  realize  his  exposedness  to  the  just  displeasure 
of  God.  He  finds  himself  tottering  on  the  precipice,  the  awful  pre- 
cipice of  remediless  destruction  unreconciled  to  justice,  he  strives  to 
escape  it  in  vain,  and  is  at  length  brought  nigh  to  the  borders  of  de- 
spair. In  this  critical  moment,  grace  interposes,  and  he  is  snatched 
as  a  brand  from  the  burning;  the  stony  heart  is  taken  away,  and  a 
heart  of  flesh  is  given,  the  captive  soul  is  released,  and  a  new  song  is 
put  into  his  mouth,  a  new  language  flows  from  his  lips,  a  new  coa- 
duct  appears  in  his  life  ; — in  a  word  all  things  are  become  new." 

With  such  a  pen  does  the  writer  describe  the  work  of  the 
holy  spirit  in  awakening  and  regenerating  the  soul  of  man. 
With  equal  clearness  and  force  of  language  does  he  describe 


44  SHAFTSBTTRY    ASSOCIATION.  [1794 

the  pi'Offress  of  the  work  of  God's  spirit  in  sanctifying  the 
heart,  and  preparing  it  for  glory. 

"  The  agency  of  God's  spirit  carries  on  the  salvatioQ  of  the  sinner 
from  regeneration  to  glory  ;  it  is  all  of  God.  But  the  reneimng  and 
sanctifying  influences  are  capable  of  a  distinction ;  the  former  im- 
plant a  principle  of  life  ;  the  latter  invigorate  the  principle  implanted. 

In  the  first,  the  spuit  makes  no  nse  of  the  faculties  of  the  soul;  in 
the  last,  the  rational  faculties  are  used,  and  become  subservient  to  the 
work.  The  subject  of  the  sanctifying  operations  of  the  spirit,  has 
every  faculty  of  soul  rendered  attentive  to  the  things  of  God.  He 
"  with  open  face  beholds  as  in  a  glass  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and  is 
changed  into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  as  by  the  spirit  of 
the  Lord."  By  these  transforming  discoveries,  progressive  conformi- 
ty to  God  is  carried  on  in  his  soul.  While  he  sees  in  the  glass  of 
God's  word,  the  Redeemer's  beauty  and  his  own  frightful  deformity, 
he  abhors  the  one,  and  loves  the  other.  He  longs  to  be  delivered 
from  sin  ;  he  pants  after  God,  the  living  God.  Thus  the  whole  work 
of  sanctification  is  carried  on  by  clear,  and  soul-effecting  views  of 
the  beauty  of  holiness  and  the  deformity  of  sin ;  whilst  the  Holy 
Ghost,  hovering  over  the  soul,  creates  in  it  that  desire  after  the  one, 
and  aversion  from  the  other,  which  leads  a  man  to  cleanse  himself 
from  all  filthincss  of  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord." 

But  this  must  suffice  for  extracts  from  this  interesting 
cii'cular  letter.  Such  doctrinal  teaching,  must  have  made 
our  fathers  and  mothers  strong  in  the  service  of  the  Gospel. 

1795. 

The  Fifteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Stillwater,  "Wed- 
nesday and  Thursday,  June  3d  and  4th,  of  this  year.  El- 
der John  Leland  delivered  the  introductory  discourse,  from 
Exodus  39  :  8,  "  And  he  made  the  breast-plate  of  cunning 
work."  Elder  Leland  served  as  Moderator  of  this  session, 
and  Elder  S.  Whelpley,  jr.,  A.  M.,  as  Clerk.  Five  church- 
es united  with  the  association,  this  year,  viz  :  the  4th  Gal- 
way,  (or  2nd  Providence,  afterwards ;  )  the  2nd  Greenfield, 
Saratoga  Co. ;  the  May  field  (afterwards  the  Broadalbin) 
church,  Fulton  Co. ;  the  2d  Canaan,  Columbia  Co.  N.  Y.  ; 
and  the  church  in  Williamstown,  Mass.,  a  colony  from  El- 


CHAP.  II.]         SECOND  TEN  YEARS.  45 

der  Hull's  church,  in  Berlin,  N.  Y.  There  were  some 
churches  dropped,  and  the  As/ijield  church,  in  Franklin  Co., 
Mass.,  was  dismissed,  upon  request,  to  unite  with  the  Ley- 
den  Association ;  that  occupied  for  awhile  the  region  where 
the  Franklin,  Mass.,  and  the  Windham  Co.,  Vt.,  Associa- 
tions, are  now  located.  The  number  of  churches  this  year 
was  40 ;  ministers,  28  ;  added,  182  ;  dismissed,  106  ;  ex- 
cluded, 45  ;  died,  21 ;  with  a  total  of  3,029. 

Considerable  accessions  had  been  made  to  eight  or  ten  of 
these  churches.  To  the  4th  Shaftsbury,  Elder  Blood's,  33 
had  been  added  ;  to  the  Bottskill,  now  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  the  youthful  Edward  Bai-ber,  27,  and  their  whole 
membership  was  198;  to  the  1st  Hartford,  Elder  Brown's 
church,  31 ;  to  the  1st  Saratoga,  11 ;  to  the  Norway  church, 
10  ;  to  Elder  Hull's  church,  with  two  other  ministers  in  it, 
Elders  Eber  Moffit  and  Robert  Niles,  10  had  been  added ; 
to  Pownal,  Elder  Nichols,  10  ;  and  to  some  others  6  or  8 
each.  But  no  large  outpouring  of  the  spirit  had  been  en- 
joyed during  the  year,  and  although  the  cause  of  truth  was 
advancing,  there  was  a  feeling  of  desire  among  the  minis- 
ters for  greater  blessings  from  the  King  of  Zion  upon  their 
labors,  and  the  churches  of  the  body.  Therefore,  in  the 
minutes  of  this  year,  we  find  the  following  item  recorded, 
expressive  of  this  desire  for  more  grace  from  on  high. 

'■'■Item  13.  Whereas  a  number  of  well  disposed  people 
on  this  continent  have  agreed  to  unite  in  a  general  concert 
of  prayer,  for  the  out-pouring  of  God's  spirit,  on  ihc  first 
Tuesdays  of  January,  April,  July  and  October  ;  this  associ- 
ation, with  heart-felt  satisfaction,  approves  of  the  same. 
We,  therefore,  recommend  the  observance  of  said  days  to 
the  churches  which  we  represent.  In  this  concert,  we  hope 
there  will  be  no  distinction  of  denominations  ;  but  that  all 
will  unite  in  the  love  and /ear  of  God,'" 

This  was  but  a  few  years  after  our  brethren  in  England, 
and  other  christians  with  them,  had  begun  what  has  been 
called  the  "  Monthly  Concert"  of  prayer  for  the  spread  of 
the  Gospel  in  the  world  ;  and  we  presume  it  was  suggestive 
of  this  quarterly  concert  during  this  associational  year. 
With  what  success  these  days  of  prayer  were  observed  by 
the  churches,  before  the  throne  of  grace,  let  the  records  of 
subsequent  years,  and  the  developments  of  eternity,  testify. 
3* 


46  SHAFTSBTJRT    ASSOCWTION.  [1795 

For  a  number  of  years  in  succession,  a  much  larger  addition 
"was  made  to  the  cliurcbes,  and  the  missionary  spirit  was 
bi'ouglit  into  the  midst  of  the  brethren.  No  doubt  it  Avould 
be  profitable  to  both  churches  and  pastors  to  observe  truly, 
Buch  days  of  prayer,  often er  before  God,  when  Zion  is  low, 
or  trials  disturb  her  peace  and  hinder  her  prosperity.  The 
apostle  said  to  the  churches  of  his  day,  "  Cast  all  your  care 
upon  the  Lord,  for  he  careth  for  you."     1  Pet.  5  :  7. 

The  circular  letter,  for  this  year,  written  by  Elder  Powers, 
was  upoB  "  Ministerial  Commission  and  Reward."  It  was 
no  doubt  a  timely  document,  and  would  well  repay  a  cai'e- 
ful  perusal  now  among  the  churches  and  pasto'rs  of  this  day. 
It  is  not  in  smooth  and  minced  '.vords ;  but  clothed  in  that 
language  of  earnestness,  and  plainness  of  speech,  that  was  so 
characteriitic  of  the  fathers  of  this  association.  We  cannot 
refrain  from  inserting  a  portion  of  it  iu  this  work. 

"  Beloved  Brethren  : 

""We  conceive  that 'miDisters  of  tbe  gospel  receive  (heir  commis- 
sion  to  teach  r.nd  baptise,  not  from  tlie  cbnrch,  presbytery,  bisbop, 
pope  nor  king,  but  from  tbe  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  wbo  is  absolute 
sovereign  in  bis  cburcb,  calls  some  from  tbe  seats  of  erudition,  and 
others  from  tbe  plougb,  flock  or  boat.and  sends  tbem  fortb  to  bear  up 
Lis  name  in  tbe  world ;  wbetber  tbey  bear  tbe  title  of  ambassadors, 
angels,  apostles,  bishops,  elders,  evangelists,  fatbers,  husbandmen, 
keepers,  laborers,  master-builders,  men  of  God,  messengers,  ministers, 
overseers,  pastors,  preachers,  priests,  propbets,  reapers,  rulers,  scribes, 
servants,  sons  of  Zion,  stars,  stewards,  teacbers,  vine-dressers,watcb- 
men,  wise-men,  witnesses,  or  any  other ;  tbey  receive  their  orders' 
alone  from  Cbrist,  and  are  accountable  to  him  for  tbe  discbarge  of 
their  eacred  functions.  There  is  not  a  single  conditioa  in  tbeir  com- 
mission. Jesus  does  not  say,  "  Go  and  preacb,  if  people  will  ap- 
plaud and  pay  you  for  your  labor;"  but  contrarywise,  "You  sball 
speak  my  "vrord  unto  tbem,  whether  tbey  will  bear,  or  wbelbcr  tbey 
will  forbear."  In  tbe  discbarge  of  this  sacred  trust,  the  faithful  ser- 
vants of  God  have  received  disgrace,  reproach,  stripes  and  banishment, 
and  the  loss  of  all  things, — tbeir  lives  not  excepted  ; — but  none  of 
these  things  moved  them ;  they  took  joyfully  the  spoiling  of  their 
goods,  not  counting  their  lives  unto  themselves,  to  finish  their  course 
with  joy,  and  the  ministry  whicli  tbey  had  received  of  the  Lord  Je- 


CHAP.  II.]  SECOND     TEN    YEARS.  47 

sus.  These  all  died  in  the  faitli,  (having  obtained  a  good  report)  and 
rode  to  heaven  in  a  fiery  chariot.  But  amidst  all  their  hardships,  we 
never  heard  them  complaining,  thus  :  '"We  wish  we  never  had  under- 
taken to  preach  ;  if  the  people  continue  ungrateful  and  covetous,  and 
will  not  give  us  more  money,  we  will  quit  the  work."  No  !  they  had 
their  eyes  on  God  ;  they  viewed  a  day  approaching  when  they  should 
be  called  before  an  Omniscient  Judge,  to  give  account  of  their  stew- 
ardship. Tliey  knew  that  the  ingratitude  and  corelousn? ss  of  others 
would  not  atone  for  their  own  neglect;  a  necessity  was  laid  upon 
them ;  yea,  "woe  unto  them  if  they  did  not  preach." 

"  But  are  these  things  right?  It  is  certainly  right  for  ministers  to 
mind  their  own  business.  But  are  ingratitude  and  covetousness  com- 
mendable in  hearers  ?  By  no  means.  All  the  sufferings  of  Christ 
were  occasioned  by  the  wrongs  of  men  ; — and  many  of  the  sufi^erings 
of  his  ministers  proceed  from  the  covetousness  of  those  to  whom  they 
preach.  Cau  it  be  supposed  that  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  infinitely  wise 
and  good,  and  just,  would  ever  call  men  from  the  duties  of  life, — to 
leave  their  families  and  concerns,  to  spend  their  lives  in  serving  oth- 
ers for  their  profit; — and  lay  no  obligations  on  others  to  make  just 
returns  ?  Surely  no.  "  The  laborer  is  worthy  of  bis  hire."  "  He 
who  sows  spiritual  things,  should  reap  temporal."  He  who  is  "taught 
in  the  word,  should  communicate  all  good  things"  to  the  teacher. — 
"  The  Lord  hath  ordained  that  those  who  preach  the  Gospel,  should 
live  of  it."  These  and  many  collateral  texts  are  read  and  consented 
to,  but  poorly  acted  on.  Some  call  in  the  aid  of  human  law,  to  force 
people  to  pay  th'e  preacher ; — but  this  is  making  religion  a  principle 
of  state  policy,  aud  keeping  the  preacher  in  a  state  bouse.  Jesus 
Christ  never  assumed  the  character  of  a  civil  judge,  or  a  divider  of  in- 
terests among  men.  He  made  no  code  of  penal  laws  to  punish  men 
in  this  world,  for  not  complying  with  his  award. 

"  Others  suppose  that  these  texts  have  no  force  in  them,  without  the 
preacher  is  so  poor  and  indigent  that  he  cannot  live  without  help.  But 
this  makes  the  christian  system  partial  and  unequal ;  destroys  the  sense 
of  those  Bible  words,  hire,  wages,  and  reward  ;  and  finally  keeps  the 
preacher  in  an  alms-house.  A  preacher  was  once  ordained  in  I^orth 
Wales  ; — after  the  rites  were  performed,  one  of  the  deacons  took  him 
by  the  hand  and  saluted  him  thus  : — "  God  bless  you,  my  Brother, 
and  keep  you  humble, — -for  we  intend  to  keep  you  jioor."  All  that  a 
minister  can  expect  in  such  a  predicament,  is  to  grow  rich  by  his 
poverty  of  spirit,  being  poor  in  purse,  among  a  poor  spirited  people. 


48  SHAFTSBTJRY    ASSOCIATION.  [1795 

If  a  minister,  in  such  circumstances,  attends  to  merchandize,  trade,  or 
hard  labor,  it  greatly  embarrasses  his  mind,  and  generally  destroys 
his  usefulness  and  influence  ; — and  sometimes  spots  his  garments  to 
that  degree,  that  he  never  gets  them  clean  as  long  as  he  lives." 

Alas  !  that  such  a  statement  is  proved  too  true  by  univer- 
sal experience  of  such  things.  If  a  man,  as  this  circular  , 
states  is  among  a  people  too  stingy  to  support  him  ; — they  I 
surely  will  not  allow  him  a  fair  chance  in  the  traffic  of  life,  ' 
and  he  will  in  vain,  among  them,  hope  to  repair  his  broken 
fortune.  There  is  a  meanness  of  spirit  in  the  dealings  of 
churches  sometimes  with  their  ministers,  that  is  sorely  trying 
to  a  sensitive,  a  conscientious  mind  ;  and  which  compels  the 
minister  to  suffer  a  wrong  continually,  in  the  hope  of  yet  re- 
forming his  people  ; — or  else  expose  him  to  the  shafts  of 
scandal,  under  the  charge  of  loving  filthy  lucre  and  becom- 
ing worldly-minded,  if  he  seek  a  better  field,  that  will  allow 
him  and  his  family  to  live  decently  by  its  cultivation.  How 
much  easier  always  for  a  church  composed  of  10,  25,  or  50 
business  men,  to  enlarge  their  subscription  each  a  little,  to 
make  a  faithful  Pastor  comfortable, — rather  than  that  he 
bear  the  want  of  50  or  100  dollars  a  year  continually,  for 
the  comforts  of  life  that  the  majority  of  his  brethren  possess 
in  abundance  ?  The  following  remarks  from  this  voice  of 
the  ancients,  in  regard  to  the  manner  of  raising  a  minister's 
support,  deserves  notice  in  many  places  to  this  day. 

"  There  seems  to  be  a  significant  silence  in  the  New  Testament 
about  the  mode  of  ministerial  compensation ; — very  likely  for  this  rea- 
son,— that  no  mode  -would  be  convenient  in  all  places.  Some  adopt 
the  mode  of  voluntary  stipulation  with  the  preacher  ; — others,  agree 
among  themselves  how  much  they  will  give  the  preacher,  without 
consulting  him.  Some  again,  carry  in  their  presents  individually 
■without  any  mental  consultation  ; — while  others  trust  to  their  weekly 
or  monthly  contributions,  &c.  Each  of  these  modes  have  their  advan- 
tages and  disadvantages  ; — nor  is  it  much  matter  what  mode  is  fallen 
upon,  if  three  things  are  attended  to,  viz  :  First,  that  such  collections 
are  not  made  by  the  force  of  human  laiv.  Secondly,  that  the  burden 
is  equalized  as  nearly  as  the  circumstance  of  things  will  admit.  And 
Thirdly,  that  enough  is  done  ; — for  after  all  the  plans  that  are  adopt 
ed,  for  want  of  more  of  the  spirit  and  punctuality  of  the  Gospel,  many 
of  the  ministers  are  poor,  while  they  "make  many  rich."    A   man 


CHAP.  11.]  SECOND    TEN   YEARS.  49 

■without  paternal  love  and  conjugal  sympathy,  at  least  without  natu- 
ral aftection,  makes  but  a  poor  preacher  ;  and  if  the  preacher  has  na- 
tural affection,  what  pain  must  fill  his  heart  to  see  his  neighbors  liv- 
ing in  prosperity,  hoarding  up  money  to  purchase  cheap  farms  with, 
for  their  children, — while  his  own  children  are  suffering  hard  for  a 
living,  without  the  aid  of  their  father,  and  without  any  prospect  of 
assistance  from  him. 

"  What  remains  is  First,  an  earnest  exhortation  to  mimsters  to 
magnify  their  ofEce,  and  make  full  proof  of  their  ministry  ;  taking 
the  Prophets  and  Apostles,  and  the  whole  cloud  of  witnesses  for  ex- 
ample. And  where  any,  or  all  of  them  fail,  thro'  infirmity,  let  them 
look  unto  Jesus,  considering  him  who  endured  such  contradiction  of 
sinners  against  himself,  lest  they  grow  weary  and  faint  in  their  minds. 

"  Secondly,  let  churches  that  have  ministers  settled  with  them, 
prove  their  obedience  to  the  faith,  by  freely  communicating  to  them 
who  are  set  over  them  in  the  Lord.  Instances  have  been  where  min- 
isters have  had  great  search  ings  of  heart,  when  coming  to  the  table  of 
the  Lord,  to  know  how  they  could  commune  with  a  people,  so  blind 
to  their  duty,  and  so  close  with  their  pennies  ; — they  often  fear  that 
all  theii-  labor  has  been  in  vain ;  that  they  have  fed  the  flock  with 
unsavoi-y  food  that  produces  no  milk.  Let  members  never  stand 
disputing  about  a  mode  of  communication, — but  let  each  act  accord- 
ing to  his  faith  in  the  mod«,  and  provoke  each  other  to  emulation,  by 
striving  who  will  offer  the  most  willingly  to  the  Lord. 

"  Thirdly,  Let  not  vacant  churches,  that  have  no  settled  ministers, 
consider  themselves  disinterested  in  this  matter.  Frem  such  churches 
urgent  solicitations  are  sometimes  more  lavish  than  liberal  contribu- 
tions. When  that  is  the  case,  such  churches  have  need  of  preaching, 
it  is  true;  and  we  advise  the  ministers  to  preach  to  them  ; — and  while 
they  instruct  them  in  the  things  of  God,  let  them  exhort  the  churches 
to  abound  in  this  grace  also  ; — and  if  ministers  have  been  too  negli. 
gent  in  this  matter,  we  wish  to  supply  their  failure  by  this  letter 
Vacant  chui-ches  are  often  very  inquisitive  to  know  the  wordly  cir- 
cumstances of  preachers  who  visit  them,  and  the  wealth  of  the  people 
among  whom  they  live  ;  and  if  they  find  the  preachers  are  not  in  pinch- 
jng  need,  that  the  people  where  they  live  are  wealthy, — they  excuse 
themselves  in  their  eovetousness,  from  doing  anything  to  help  the 
cause.  This  mode  of  procedure,  looks  too  much  like  making  the 
whole  of  Christian  liberality  to  consist  in  alms-giving : — and,  besides, 


60  SHAFTSETJRY    ASSOCIATION.  [1796 

it  either  fixes  the  burden  on  the  traveling  preacher,  "  of  going  a  war- 
fai'e  at  his  own  charges ;" — or  on  the  people  among  whom  he  resides, 
in  afl'ording  their  preaclier  assistance,  while  he  is  gone  from  them  to 
serve  others.  AVe  -wish  to  see  vacant  chm'ches  assisted  ; — and  we 
•wish  them  to  assist  others,  according  to  their  power, — that  one  should 
not  be  eased,  and  another  burdened.  And  may  the  Lord  give  all  of  us 
hearts  to  do  our  duty,  each  in  his  particular  station,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
Amen." 

Thus  have  we  given  tlie  larger  portion  of  this  instructive 
circular,  not  knowing  how  to  condense  it,  any  more,  or  se- 
lect portions,  without  niarrmg  the  beauty  of  it  as  a  whole. 
May  its  lessons  profit  all  who  need  them. 

The  corresponding  letter  for  1795  was  by  Elder  Justus 
Hull,  and  is  a  brief  epistle,  full  of  fraternal  regard  to  the 
bodies  in  correspondence.  Elder  Blood  preached  a  closing 
discourse  and  the  association  rose  and  separated,  to  their  va- 
rious homes. 

1796. 

The  sixteenth  anniversary  of  the  association  was  held  at 
West  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  the  1st  and  2d  days  of  June,  ac- 
cording to  appointment.  The  introductory  sermon  was  by 
Elder  C.  Blood,  from  1  John,  4:8,  "  He  that  loveih  not, 
hnoiveth  not  God  ;  for  God  is  love."  Elder  Blood  was  cho- 
sen Moderator  ;  and  Elder  PIuU,  Clerk  ; — when  as  usual 
the  letters  from  the  churches  were  read,  and  the  following  is 
the  total  of  the  alterations  in  the  churches.  Churches,  42  : 
— of  ministers,  ordained,  only  20;  added,  260;  dismissed, 
75;  excluded,  21;  died,  21, — and  a  total  of  3,181  in  all 
the  churches;  nett  increase  of  150  from  the  last  year. — 
The  Chatham  church,  in  Columbia  Co.,  Clifton  Pari;  and  3 
Greenfield,  Saratoga  Co.,  and  2  Hartford,  Washington  Co., 
N.  Y.,  were  received  this  session. 

The  Ot&efjo  Baptist  Association,  formed  during  the  year 
1795  on  tlic  2nd  of  Sept.  in  Springfield,  opened  correspond- 
ence with  this  body  by  their  messenger  Elder  Ashbel  Hos- 
mer.  This  was  \\\q  first  association  ever  organized  to  the 
west  of  this,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  it  was  especially 
welcome  to  the  fellowship  of  this  body,  because  its  members 
were,  some  of  them,  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Shaftsbury 


CH4P  11.]  SECOND   TEN    YEARS.  51 

Association,  wlio  had  emigrated  into  the  then  wilderness  of 
Central  New  York.  Elders  Werden,  Cornell  and  Joseph 
Craw,  from  this  body,  were  present  at  the  preliminary  meet- 
ing to  arrange  for  the  organization  of  the  Association  ;  and 
at  its  first  aniriversary  Elders  Cornell  and  Jonathan  Finch, 
were  present,  and  aided  them  by  their  presence  and  counsel 
in  ai'ranging  the  order  of  their  infant  body.  It  was  com- 
posed of  13  churches,  5  ministers,  and  424  members.  Some 
of  these  infant  churches,  had  been  planted  and  watered  by 
the  labors  of  Elders  Blood,  Cornell,  Craw,  and  Caleb  Nich- 
ols, of  this  Association.  This  body  increased  rapidly,  and 
spread  itself  westward ;  so  that  in  1800,  it  embraced  57 
churches,  15  ministers,  329  added,  during  the  year  ;  and  a 
total  of  ],7C4  members. 

The  church  in  FiYOiJdin,  Delaware  Co.,  was  dismissed 
this  year,  to  unite  with  the  newly  formed  Otsego  Associa- 
tion, with  which  it  remained  some  fifteen  years,  and  then  it 
united  with  other  churches  in  forming  the  Franldin  Asso- 
ciation, now  composing,  (in  1852)  27  churches,  19  ministers 
and  2325  members. 

The  spirit  of  j-evival  seemed  to  have  faTored  some  of  the 
churches  during  the  year,  and  considerable  additions  were 
made  to  the  following ;  BottshiU,  Elder  Barber's  31  ;  2  Ca- 
naan, Elder  Eli.^ha  Barnes,  12  ;  3rd  Cheshire,  Elders  N. 
Mason,  and  J.  Leland,  26  ;  1  Gahvay,  24  ;  Great  Barring- 
ton,  Elder  Jeduthan  Gray,  13  ;  2  Greenfield,  28  ;  1  Hart- 
ford, 49  ;  and  Stephentoivn,  Elder  Hull,  10  ;  while  to  New 
Bethlehem,  9  were  added ;  4  Shaftshury,  9  ;  Sandisfield,  9  ; 
and  some  to  nearly  every  church  in  the  body.  Hence  it  would 
appear  that  the  Pastors  and  Brethren  did  not  pray  and  labor  in 
vain.  No  matters  of  business  are  recorded,  of  special  mter- 
est,  besides  the  usual  routine,with  preaching  by  Elder  Zenas 
L.  Leonard,  of  the  Warren  Association,  on  Thursday  morn- 
ing from  1  Cor.  1  :  21  ;  and  a  closing  discourse  by  Elder 
Parsons,  from  Heh.  12  :  15.  Messengers  were  appointed 
as  usual  to  the  corresponding  bodies,  following  :  Warren, 
Stonington,  Danbury,  Vermont,  Woodstock,  New  York,  Ot- 
sego and  Leyden  Associations.  The  circular  letter  was 
prepared  this  year,  by  Elder  Blood,  on  Family  Religion. — 
It  is  a  good  practical  treatise,  but  we  cannot  find  room  to 
insert  it,  and  we  propose  to  give  a  specimen  of  the  corres- 


52  SHAFTSBTIRY   ASSOCIATION.  [1796 

ponding  letters  this  year.  This  was  prepared  by  Elder  Le- 
land,  and  is  so  brief  and  soul-stirring  that  we  will  copy  it 
entire,  with  the  form  of  address. 

"  The  Shaftsbury  Association,  to  the  Corresponding  As- 
sociations, sendeth  Christian  Love  and  Salutation. 

Beloved  Beethren, 

"  As  the  indulgent  Guardian  of  man  has  preserved  our  lives,  and 
brought  us  together,  at  this,  our  annual  meeting ; — we  have  now  an 
opportunity  of  addressing  you  in  a  collective  capacity.  It  is  a  saying 
of  the  wise  man,  that  tico  are  better  than  one,  and  a  threefold  cord  is 
not  quickly  broken.  From  whicli  we  learn  that  the  design  of  Heaven, 
manifested  by  Nature's  great  law,  as  well  as  revelation,  is,  that  men 
should  be  helpers  of  each  other.  The  feeble  state  of  infants,  the  un- 
wary paths  or  youth,  the  decrepitude  of  old  age,  the  want  in  each 
sex,  of  the  other,  to  make  life  agreeable; — and  indead,  the  inability 
of  individuals  to  execute  business  of  agriculture  and  the  arts  of  me- 
chanism ; — all  evince  the  utility  of  society  in  civil  life.  Nor  are  argu- 
ments less  conclusive  and  pungent  in  matters  of  religion  But  how 
are  the  laws  of  Heaven,  (in  some  sort)  frustrated  by  sin  !  rather  we 
express  it,  the  plum  is  gathered  from  the  thorn, — the  rose  from  the 
briei", — and  the  honey  from  amidst  the  stings.  How  has  sin, — how 
does  self-love  and  self-importance  torment  and  chafe  our  minds 
among  those  very  persons — our  partners,  our  nearest  connections, 
whom  Heaven  has  appointed  for  our  comforters  ;  and  without  whom 
we  are  more  forlorn  than  the  beasts  of  the  wilderness.  But  is  there 
no  antidote,  is  there  no  way  to  escape  all  the  snarls  of  social  life  ? — 
O  gracious  Heaven  !  show  us  the  way — the  hidden  way  to  obtain  all 
the  blessings  of  society,  -without  the  disadvantages  thereof.  But  here 
again,  we  check  the  language  of  our  hearts ; — for  the  voice  of  revela- 
tion promises  neither  to  individuals,  nor  societies,  in  tJils  world,  good 
without  evil, — peace  without  contention, — a  crown  without  a  cross, 
— nor  profit,  without  incumbrance.  Seeing  then,  that  this  world  is  a 
mixture  of  good  and  evil,  and  men  are  in  a  middle  state, between  the 
consummate  holiness  of  Heaven,  and  the  deformity  of  Hell  ; — let  us 
wait  patiently  till  our  change  comes  ; — nor  be  so  overcharged  with 
the  evils  of  life,  as  to  neglect  the  uso  of  those  talents  and  means  that 
God  has  assigned  us  in  our  pilgrimage  here  on  earth.  In  this  point 
of  light,  we  joyfully  embrace  this  opportunity  of  corresponding  with 
you,  by  letter  and  delegates  ;  wishing  that  wo  might  suggest  a  little 


CHAP.  II.]  SECOND    TEN    YEAKS,  53 

lo  yoti,  (at  least  two  mites)  for  your  furtherance  in  the  Gospel ;  and 
that  in  retiun,  we  might  receive  much  from  you,  for  our  reproof,  in- 
struction aud  comfort. 

"  We  conceive  that  the  church  of  Cluist,  which  is  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven,  is  not  governed  by  the  laws  of  men ,  but  by  the  laws  of  Christ; 
— not  by  the  acts  of  parliament,  I)ut  by  the  acts  and  Epistles  of  the 
Apostles  •, — not  defended  by  carnal  weapons,  and  instruments  of  death ; 
but  by  spiritual  Aveapons  and  instruments  of  righteousness.  J!\^ot  by 
ml^'/ht,  nor  f»/  power,  but  btj  my  spirit,  saitJi  the  Lord.  This  Kinydom 
forms  no  alliance  with  the  Kingdoms  aud  Slates  of  this  Avorld,  but  is  dis- 
tinct from  them  ; — yet  containing  subjects  in  all  of  them,  to  be  redeemed 
from  among  thetn.  Tiie  negotiations,  failures,  violations,  ratifications 
or  punctual  compliances  of  treaties  between  earthly  kingdoms  and 
states,  UQij;vays  affect  the  church  in  its  spiritual  standing,  •which  is  se- 
cured in  the  great  treaty  between  Jehovah  and  the  Mediator.  The 
council  of  peace  was  between  them  both  ; — in  which  covenant  the  per- 
sons and  blessings  of  Christ's  Kingdom  are  both  made  sure.  The  ofF_ 
spring  and  vessels  all  hang  on  this  nail. 

"  Dear  Brethren,  if  such  is  the  security  aud  happiness  of  the  saints 
— 0  let  us  never  foiget  the  price  of  our  redemption  !  The  blessed 
Jesus  came  into  this  world,  not  to  teach  men  husbandry  or  the  mechanic 
aits, — not  to  instruct  them  in  politics,— -or  any  of  the  branches  of  sci. 
ence  or  ualural  philosophy  ; — he  never  taught  man  the  use  of  the  mag- 
net or  the  mariner's  art.  No :  these  things  are  good  and  profitable 
among  men,  but  infinitely  beneath  the  cause  that  Jesus  came  to  es- 
pouse. He  came  to  do  the  will  of  him  who  sent  him,  and  finish  his 
work  ;  to  magnify  his  law,  to  clear  up  his  amiable  character,  to  make 
a  display  of  his  excellent  perfections,  to  build  up  truth,  to  expose  sin, 
conquer  satan,  and  save  sinners  by-  his  blood.  O  how  Immense  the 
love  !  How  free  the  grace  !  How  inexpressible  the  kindness  !  How 
painful  the  couflict !  How  interesting  to  us,  and  how  triumphant  to  him- 
self, the  victory.  The  bleeding  victim,  slain  underthe  Mosaic  iustitu- 
tion ; — the  blood  aud  smoke  of  the  Jewish  altors,  but  faintly  pointed 
out  the  great  offering  of  Christ,  to  make  atonement  for  the  sins  of  man_ 

"  Let  Arians,  Socinians,  or  any  others,  undervalue  the  bloody  sacri- 
fice and  vicarious  sufferings  of  the  God-Man,  Chcist  Jescs  ; — yet  on 
this  foundation  we  trust  our  souls,  and  humbly  hope  to  spend  a  long 
eternity  in  finding  out  this  knowledge  of  witty  inventions;  and  in 
adoring  the  wisdom,  love  and  grace,  which  we  never  expect,  nor  never 
wish  to  comprehend. 


54  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1796 

"  Since  oiiv  last  Associatiou,  our  dear  brother,  Rev.  Joshua  Morse, 
of  Saudisfield,  has  departed  this  life.  He  began  the  work  of  his  min- 
istry in  his  youth, — has  followed  it  with  unwearied  zeal,  solemn  de- 
votion and  practical  piety,  to  a  good  old  age,  and  died  in  the  triumphs 
of  faith.  We  have  gospel  ground  to  believe,  that  while  we  are  asso- 
ciating here  on  earth,  aud  see  his  empty  seat  among  us, — that  he  is 
associating  with  the  saints  in  Heaven,  aud  filling  his  seat  among  the 
servants  of  the  Lord, — having  received  th^  blessed  plaudit.  "  Well 
«*  done  good  and  faithful  servant,  because  thou  hast  been  faithful  over 
''  a  little,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  much  ;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of 
*■  thy  Lord."  O  may  all  of  us,  who  are  called  to  minister  in  holy 
things,  "  Be  faithful  unto  death,  that  we  may  receive  a  crown  of  life." 
And  may  the  Lord  raise  up,  and  send  forth,  able,  wise,  spiritual  and 
faithful  laborers  into  his  vineyard.  • 

"  As  to  the  state  of  our  churches,  there  is  nothing  very  flattering, 
Qor  is  there  any  thing  peculiarly  discouraging.  A  wordly,  careless 
spirit  too  much  abounds  in  general ;  but  there  are  some  revivings. — 
Upon  the  whole,  we  can  say,  "  The  Loed  reigns ," — and  his  word  of 
revelation  recommends  itself  to  us  with  satisfactory  evidence.  The 
preceding  minutes  will  give  any  curious  inquirer,  the  number  of  our 
churches,  and  what  alterations  have  taken  place  since  our  last  anni- 
versary. 

•'  In  this  present  session,  moderation  and  good  order  have  presided, 
and  some  quickenings  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  And  may  the  Word  and 
Spirit  of  the  living  God  be  our  Guide  and  Comforter,  forever,  Amen." 

"  By  order  of  the  Association. 

Justus  Hull,  Clerk.  Caleb  Blood,  Moderator." 

1797. 

The  Seventeenth  Anniversary  was  held  with  the  Bottskill 
church,  in  Union  Village,  as  it  is  now  called,  Washington 
CO.  N.  Y.,  June  7th  and  8th,  This  appears  to  have  been 
the  first  and  only  session  of  this  body,  ever  held  with  thai 
church.  Elder  Jeduthan  Gray,  of  Great  Barrington, 
Mass.,  preached  the  opening  discourse  from  Rom.  5  :  10, 
"•For  if  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God, 
by  the  death  of  his  Son,  «fcc."  Elder  Powers  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Elder  Lemuel  Covell,  clerk.  The  letters 
from  the  churches  indicated  progress,  and  in  some  of  them, 
revivals  had  cheered  the  hearts  of  God's  people. 


CHAP,  n.]  SECOND  TEN    VEARS.  55 

The  largest  accession  was  made  to  Elder  A.  Brown's 
church,  the  1st  Hartford,  which  had  received  the  unusual 
number  of  106.  In  a  note  at  the  foot  of  the  page  of  statis- 
tics, it  is  stated  that  "this  marvellous  addition  to  the  church, 
began  last  June.  In  a  tremendous  war  of  the  elements,  a 
woman  was  killed  by  thunder,  [lightning].  More  than ybr- 
<y  of  these  converts,  dated  their  first  awakening,  from  that 
solemn  alarm."  Such  instances,  of  awakening  by  the  fury 
of  the  elements,  are  on  record  in  other  places.  In  the  town 
of  Exeter,  Otsego  co.  N.  Y. ;  "in  1799,  a  most  remarka- 
ble thunder-storm  occurred,  which,  by  the  blessing  of  God, 
was  the  means  of  awakening  some  to  a  concern  for  their 
souls.  Soon  after,  ten  were  added  to  the  church.*  Thus 
is  fulfilled  what  we  read  in  Job  37 :  2-5,  "Hear  attentively 
the  noise  of  his  voice,  and  the  sound  that  goeth  out  of  his 
mouth.  He  directeth  it  under  the  whole  heaven,  and  his 
lightning  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  After  it  a  voice  roareth  ; 
he  thundereth  with  the  voice  of  his  excellency  ;  and  he  will 
not  stay  them  when  his  voice  is  heard.  God  thundereth 
marvellously,  with  his  voice  ;  Great  things  doeth  he,  tvhich 
we  cannot  comprehend."  And  so  says  the  Psalmist,  29  ;  3, 
4.  "The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  upon  the  waters  ; — the  God 
of  Glory  thundereth  ;  the  Lord  is  upon  many  waters.  The 
voice  of  the  Lord  is  powerful ;  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  full 
of  Majesty."  Oh!  who  has  "an  arm  like  God? — or  who 
can  thunder  with  a  voice  like  him  ?" 

Besides  the  revivals  reported  in  Hartford,  considerable 
accessions  were  made  to  some  other  churches.  Elder  Bar- 
ber, at  Bottskill,  received  13/  Chatham  church,  12  ;  Elder 
Cornell,  at  2  Gal  way,  10  ;  Elder  Gray  8,  at  Great  Bar- 
rington  ;  Elder  Craw  17,  at  1  Greenfield ;  and  10  were 
added  to  3  Greenfield;  14  to  the  Mapletown  church  under 
Elder  Samuel  Roger's  care;  and  14  to  Elder  Hull's  church, 
the  1  Steventown,  as  named  this  year  on  the  minutes.  Six 
churches  were  added  this  session  to  the  Body  ;  viz  : — 2  Pitts- 
town,  Elder  Stephen  Hunt,  Pastor  ;  2  Stephentown,  Elder 
Robert  Niles, Pastor,  3  Saratoga,  (afterwards  called  North- 
umberland) Elder  Calvin  Hulbert,  Pastor;  2  Milton,  {a.hev- 
ward  Ballston  Spa)  ;  Granville  and  Ballstown,  N.  Y.  Sta- 
tistics, as  follows : — 48  churches  ;    28  ministers;    271  add- 

■"  History  of  Bap.  Miss.  Convention,  N.  T,,  page  19, 


56  SHAFTSBUBY   ASSOCIATION.  [1798 

ed ;  73  dismissed;  o7  excluded;  2G  died;  total  3,458. 
From  nine  of  the  churches,  there  was  no  information  this 
year,  and  a  number  of  them  had  sent  no  information  for 
some  time,  viz  :  Hancock  ;  1  Shaftshury  ;  3  Shaftshury  ; 
Chesterfield,  Pilfsjreld,  Nonvay,  JS'ine  Partners,  St.  Coyck 
and  Washington  clinrches.  A  number  of  these  had  not  en- 
joyed pastoral  care  for  years,  and  therefore,  as  is  usual  in 
such  cases,  they  either  declined,  ov  stood  still  in  the  cause. 

Little  of  special  intei'est  is  recorded  upon  this  year's  min- 
utes, and  we  will  not  dwell  on  them.  There  was  preaching 
by  Eider  Hull,  on  Thursday  morning,  from  Gal.  3  :  11,  and 
by  Elder  Sylvanus  Haynes  of  the  Vermont  Association,  du- 
ring (he  day,  fiom  Heb.  2 :  4.  Tiie  circular  letter  on 
"Godliness  on  Earth  and  in  Heaven  contrasted,"  was  pre- 
pared by  Elder  .T.  Leiand  ;  and  the  corresponding,  by  Elder 
Barber;  but  we  cannot  insert  them.  The  Ibllowing  singu- 
lar advertiaement  is  recorded  on  the  8th  page  of  the  Minutes, 
as  a  caution  to  the  churches  against  an  impostor,  which  may 
be  found  below.* 

179S. 

The  Eighteenth  Session  was  held  at  Elder  Hull's  meeting 
house,  in  Stephentown,  N.  Y.,  June  6th  and  7th,  and  open- 
ed by  a  frermon  from  Songs  of  Sol.  6 :  9,  '■'■My  dove,  My  2m- 
dejiled,  is  hut  one"  by  Elder  Samuel  Rogers,  of  Mapletown, 
or  Hoosick.  Elder  IJlood  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder 
Leiand,  Clerk.  The  letters  read  from  the  churches,  indicated 
a  slow  but  steady  increase  amoag  them  generally ;  a  Iraost 
every  one  having  I'eceived  some  additions  ;  and  some  of  them, 
good  aeasons  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 
Those  most  highly  favored  were: — The'Rottskiil,  15  added; 
Chatham  9,  Elder  Job  Champion  ;  1  Hartford,  15  ;  "West 
Hillsdale,  7  ;  Mapletown,  17;  Maytield,  since  called  Eroad- 
albin.  Elder  Hezekiah  Gorton,  Pastor,  7  added ;  1  Pitts- 
town,  Elder  I.  A7ebb,  8;  Elder  Hull's  church  12;  and 
Elder  Niles',  2  Stephentown,  8 ;    making  them  58  in  all. 

*  '-Take  Notice! — A  certain  man  has  been  traveling;  around  the  country  in  the 
profession  of  tlie  Ministry  ;  sometimes  he  calls  liimself />»'7/ey  Youmj;  at  other 
times.  Peter  Poicevs,,  alias  Wnlt/'r  Powers ; — was  whipped  at  Northampton,  last 
fall  for  stealing  a  horse,  and  declared  that  he  was  Elder  Lemuel  Po-ieers,  of  Still- 
water, Who  the  fugitive  is,  wo  know  not,  but  take  this  method  of  clearing  the 
c'laracter  of  Lerauel  Poicers  of  the  charges  that  wt-re  jiroved  against  the  vagrant. 
Kldcr  Leiiinel  Potvers  is  a  larg«, fat  man,  with  largo  eyes ;  but  the  counterfeit,  is  a 
slim  man,  with  small  eyes." 


CPAP.  II.]  SECOND    TEN  YEARS.  57 

The  2  Hillsdale  church,  sometimes  called'East  Hillsdale, 
the  church  in  llairman,  Jehiel  Fox,  Pastor,  (now  Chester, 
Warren  co.  N.  Y.  ,)  and  the  Partt  idgejiehl,  Mass.,  f  called 
Peru  in  1807,  and  then  Hinsdale,  in  1810,)  were  added 
this  session.  But  the  church  at  Pittsfield,  Mass.  and  the 
church  at  Nine  Partners  were  both  dropped.  The  statistics 
of  the  Association  aie  recorded  as  follows  : — Churches,  47  ; 
ministers,  29  ;  added,  IGl  ;  dismissed,  02;  excluded,  37; 
died,  14  ;  and  a  total  of  3,460  members. 

Elders  Blood  and  Rogers  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
visit  the  3d  church  in  Shaftsbury,and  report  how  they  find 
said  church  at  the  next  association.  A  like  commission  of 
Elders,  Eathbun,  Gray,  Hull,  Leland,  and  Deacon  Coo- 
man,  were  sent  to  visit  the  church  in  Washington.'  Also, 
Elders,  Covell,  Craw,  and  Finch,  to  visit  the  church  at 
Norway,  and  report  how  they  find  their  state. 

The  body  had  now  become  so  large  and  widely  extended, 
that  the  question  was  agitated  among  them.  Whether  it  is 
not  best  to  divide  the  association  ; — and  in  reference  to  this, 
we  find  the  following  item  of  business  recorded  on  the  5th 
page  of  the  minutes  for  this  year. 

^^lo.  On  motion  of  Elder  Covell,  agreed  to  refer  it  t© 
the  churches,  whether  or  not,  it  will  be  best  for  the  Associa- 
tion to  be  divided  into  two  ? — and  if  it  is  thought  most  ad- 
visable, where  the  dividing  line  shall  run?  The  churches 
are  requested  to  signify  their  minds  on  the  subject  at  the 
next  association."' 

So  early  as  this  year,  the  merits  and  demerits  of  Specu- 
lative Free  Masonry,  become  a  subject  of  inquiry,  and  eli- 
cited from  the  association,  the  following  expression  of  senti- 
ments in  regard  to  it : 

"Item  14.  Several  queries  from  churches  occasioned  the 
following  advice. 

'•Dear  Brethren, — As  a  number  of  our  churches  are 
greatly  distressed  bj  their  members  joining  with  the  Free 
Masons,  for  the  peace  of  th«  churches  we  pray  such  to  de- 
sist. If  there  is  no  moral  evil  in  joining  with  the  Masons, 
— yet  it  is  sinning  against  the  weak  brethren,  and  he  that 
sins  against  his  weak  brother,  sins  against  Christ.  But  as 
this  Association  claims  no  jurisdiction  over  the  members  of 
churches,  each  church  must  judge  for  itself,  according  to 
fact  and  circumstance." 


58  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1799 

The  circular  letter  was  written  by  Elder  Lemuel  Covell, 
on  the  subject  of  "Gospel  Discipline  ;"  and  the  correspond- 
ing letter  by  Elder  Robert  Niles.  Each  was  very  good  of 
its  kind,  but  we  are  unable  to  insert  them.  Arrangements 
for  the  next  session  were  made,  and  the  body  rose  after  a 
sermon  by  Elder  Leland  from  Isa..  54:  17,  "No  weapon 
formed  against  thee  shall  prosper,  &c.,"  Elder  Blood  also 
preached  on  Thursday  morning  from  John  1  :  14.  And 
again  did  the  brethren  separate  from  the  place  of  holy  con- 
vocation, and  go  to  their  fields  of  labor,  to  gather  in  a  glori- 
ous harvest,  ere  another  anniversary. 

1799. 

The  Nineteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Elder  Niles's 
Meeting  house,  with  the  2nd  Stephentown  church,  June  5th 
and  6th.  The  introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder 
Isaac  Webb,  from  Rom.  2:7,  "  To  them,  who  by  patient 
continuance  in  well  doing,  seek  for  glory  and  honor,  &c." 
Elder  Samuel  Rogers,  of  Mapletown,  was  chosen  Modera- 
tor, and  Elder  Edward  Barber,  of  Bottskill,  Clerk.  Two 
churches,  the  Cambridge,  or  White  Creek  church,  under  the 
pastoral  charge  of  Elder  Israel  Craw;  and  the  Kingsborough 
church,  were  added  this  session.  But  the  churches  at 
Washington,  Mass.,  and  the  Norway  church,  N.  Y.,  were 
dropped  from  the  minutes.  This  was  a  year  of  great  pros- 
perity in  most  of  the  churches  ;  large  accessions  having  been 
made  to  many  of  them,  and  the  mouths  of  God's  people 
were  filled  with  praise,  and  their  hearts  with  gladness,  for 
the  wonders  of  divine  grace. 

The  whole  number  of  churches  reported  in  the  minutes 
of  this  year,  is  47 ;  ministers,  33;  added,  799;  dismissed, 
79;  excluded,  46;  died,  18;  and  a  total  of  4,060.  Thia 
was  a  net  gain  from  the  year  before,  of  600  members  in  the 
whole  body.  Would  that  we  had  a  description  of  these  re- 
vival mercies  from  the  pens  of  those  venerable  pastors  who 
were  witnesses  of  them.  Excepting  one,  we  know  not  that 
any  account  of  them  is  in  print,  or  to  be  found.  And  that 
one  from  the  glowing  heart  and  ready  pen  of  Elder  Blood, 
of  Shaftsbury,  we  will  here  copy  from  Baekus'  Church  His- 
tory of  New  England.* 
♦  Edition  of  Am.  Bap.  rublicatlon  Society,  p.  915,  IT. 


CHAP  II.]  SECOND    TEN   YEARS.  59 

He  says  :  "  In  April,  1*798,  Mr.  Blood,  pastor  of  a  Baptist  church  at 
Shaftsbury,  in  Vt.,  had  his  soul  greatly  affected  with  the  low  state  of 
religion  among  them,  with  earnest  cries  that  God  would  pour  out  big 
spirit  upon  the  souls?  of  men,  and  save  them  from  sin  and  ruin.  la 
July  following,  a  person  who  had  been  converted  before,  came  for, 
ward  in  Baptism  ;  and  her  declaration  and  example  awakened  many 
others,  and  fo^ir  were  baptised  in  August,  and  seventeen  in  Septem- 
ber. And  the  good  wo  rk  went  on  in  such  a  manner,  that  on  Feb.  21 
1799,  he  said;  'The  whole  number  added  to  this  church,  since  last 
May,  is  one  hundred  and  seventy-Jive — twenty-five  by  letter  and  other 
wise,  and  150  by  baptism.  Our  whole  number  is  S46.  Many  of  this 
number  are  removed  into  diff'ereDt  parts  of  the  countiy;  there  are, 
however,  nearly  300  that  live  in  the  vicinity,  the  remotest  of  them 
not  more  than  six  miles  from  our  meeting-house.  There  are  also 
about  sevnty  added  to  the  West  church  in  this  town,  since  the  work 
began  ;  and  thirteen  to  the  East  church.  In  years  past,  there  has  not 
been  the  most  cordial  fellowship  between  the  three  churches  in  this 
town ;  but  the  Lord  has  now  effected  a  happy  union  between  us.  On 
the  last  Lord's  day  in  January,  we  all  met  at  one  communion  table. 
That  happy  day,  my  soul  had  desifed  for  years.  Nothing  but  expe. 
rience  could  have  made  me  believe  it  possible,  that  I  could  have  feU 
so  much  solid  delight,  anticipated  so  much  trouble,  and  rejoiced  with 
so  much  trembling,  at  one  and  the  same  time.  That  day  I  trust  wilj 
never  be  forgotten  by  me.     "' 

" '  In  about  two  months  after  the  work  began,  the  whole  town 
seemed  to  be  affected.  Conference  meetings  were  attended  two  or 
three  times  in  a  week  in  almost  every  neighborhood ;  and  it  was  sur. 
prising  to  me,  that  searg ely  a  single  instance  appeared  of  over-heated 
zeal,  or  flight  of  passion.  Both  sinners  under  conviction,  and  thosg 
newly  brought  into  the  liberty  of  the  gospel,  conversed  in  their  meet- 
ings with  the  greatest  freedom  ;  they  spoke,  one  at  a  time,  a  few  txords 
in  the  most  solemn  manner  I  ever  heard  people  in  my  life.  And  in 
general  they  sp  ke  so  low,  that  the  assemblies  must  be  perfectly  still 
or  they  could  not  hear  them  ;  yet  a  remarkable  power  attended  their 
conversation.  Sinners  would  tremble  as  though  they  felt  themselves 
in  the  immediate  presence  of  the  gi-eat  Je  hovah.  Seme  of  all  rank 
and  characters  among  us  have  been  taken ;  from  the  most  respectable 
members  of  society,  to  the  vilest  in  the  place.  S  ome  of  our  most 
noted  deists  have  bowed  the  knee  to  King  Jesus ;  and  a  number  of 
Universalists  have  forsaken  their  delusions,  and  em  braced  the  truth 


60  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  1799 

And  when  tlae  Sbaftsbury  associatiou  met  ia  June,  1799,  (says  Back- 
us,) they  had  accounts  that  259  had  been  added  in  the  year,  to  the 
three  cliurches  m  Shaftsbui-y,  and  not  one  member  had  died  in  that 
time." 

Such  a  revival  of  religion  is  seldom  enjoyed  in  a  chureh 
and  town.  It  is  an  inestimable  blessing  to  a  community 
and  yet  its  influence,  if  resisted,  is  awful,  to  harden  and  des- 
troy those  who  will  not  bow  their  necks  to  the  yoke  of  King 
Jesus,  nor  open  their  hearts  to  receive  his  truth  and  grace. 
We  take  this  to  be  a  specimen,  perhaps  more  than  ordinarily 
striking,  of  those  seasons  of  blessing  with  which  many  of  the 
churches  of  this  body  were  favored  for  two  or  three  years. 
To  speak  of  each  of  these  we  cannot ;  but  may  simply  enu- 
merate the  churches  most  highly  favored  during  this  year. 
Bottskill,  Elder  Barber's  church,  received  13  ;  Cambiidge 
church,  which  had  been  much  distracted  for  years,  and  in  a 
low  state,  had  settled  and  ordained  a  pastor,  Elder  Israel 
Craw,  and  added  27  ;  Chatham,  Elder  Job  Champion,  6 ; 
Chesterfield,  Elder  Ebenezer  Vining,  had  received  27 ; 
Clifton  Park,  G;  Great  Barrington,  Elder  Gray,  2-1 ;  1st 
Hartford,  Elder  Brown's,  18 ;  1st  Hillsdale,  Elder  Abel 
Brown's,  32;  2nd  Hillsdale,  14;  Mapletown,  Elder  S.  Ro- 
gers, 21  ;  Mayfield,  Elder  H.  Gorton,  16  ;  1st  Milton,  45  ; 
2nd  Milton,  74;  Northumberland,  Elder  Calvin  Ilulbert, 
16;  Partridgefield,  Elder  Ebenezer  Smith,  29  ;  Sandisfield 
74  ;  Schodack,  Elder  Stephen  Olmstead,  17  ;  1st  Shaftsbury, 
73  ;  2nd  Shaftsbury,  15  ;  4th  Shaftsbury,  Elder  Blood,  171  ; 
1st  Stephentown,  Elder  Hull,  21;  2nd  Stephentown,  Elder 
jNiles,  10  ;  Thurman  or  Chester,  Elder  Jehiel  Fox,  34.  A 
number  of  the  churches  were  without  accessions  this  year  ; 
but  came  into  remembrance  before  God  the  following  year, 
and  shared  in  the  glorious  displays  of  his  grace. 

The  corresponding  associations  were  much  increased  by 
this  time,  as  we  find  the  following  named  in  the  minutes,  be- 
sides those  usually  printed,  located  in  the  Southern  States, 
viz  : — "  By  the  hand  of  Brother  Brame,  received  Ministers 
from  the  southward  associations,  viz :  Georgia,  Charleston, 
Neuse,  Baptist  General  Committee,  Pori$month,  Middle 
District,  Tar  Itiver,  Dover,  Gidpepper,  Goshen,  Roanohc, 
Ketockton,  and  Baltimore." 


CHA^P  II. J  SECOND  TEN  YEARS,  ^l 

Here  am  13  associations  of  Baptists  south  of  the  Phila- 
delphia,- embncing  a  large  brotherhood  of  disciples.  And 
in  the  middle  and  eastern  states  there  were  8  other  associa- 
tions in  correspondence  with  the  Shaftsbury,  making  at 
least,  22  such  bodies,  in  the  United  States  in  1799.  The 
Rensselaerville  also,  located  in  Albany  Co.,  and  westward, 
formed  in  1798, —  asked  for  correspondence  ;  and  a  commit- 
tee of  Ministering  Brethren,  were  appointed  to  visit  them 
at  tlieir  session  "  the  od  Wed.  in  Oct.,  at  the  house  of  Elder 
Josiah  Baker,  in  Rensselaerville  ;  and  report  at  the  next 
association."  So  cautious  were  the  Brethren,  in  extending 
their  fellowship  to  unknown  bodies.  The  following  is  an- 
other instance  of  their  christian  prudence,  as  well  as  tender- 
ness toward  those  whom  tliey  knew,  but  could  not  receive 
officially. 

'*  10.  Inasmuch  as  the  Vermont  Association  has  fallen 
into  two  parties,  and  each  of  those  parties  sent  Messengers  to 
us,  claiming  a  right  to  be  received  as  the  Delegates  of  Ver- 
mont Association,  with  whom  we  formerly  corresponded  ; — 
Agreed,  that  this  association  does  not  wish  to  hurt  the  feel- 
ings of  either  party,  or  any  way  intimate  that  we  do  not  fel- 
lowship them  as  Christian  Brethren  and  Churches,  but  de- 
clare that  we  have  fellowship  with  them  as  such  :  But  as 
we  cannot  receive  the  delegates  of  either  party,  without  sup- 
porting their  claim,  w^e  think  it  most  advisable  not  to  receive 
uny  of  them  in  their  official  capacity, — but  wish  to  exercise 
every  degree  of  Christian  love  to  them,  and  request  all  of 
iMm  to  take  seats  among  us,  in  the  capacity  of  individuals ." 

The  following  item  of  business  also,  shows  the  frankness 
of  those  times  in  regard  to  disorders  that  were  creeping  into 
the  churches.  "  Some  suggestions  in  the  letters  from  Ma- 
pletown  and  Fittstown  respecting  the  power  of  an  Associa- 
tion, occasioned  the  following  declaration. 

"  The  Association  take  this  opportunity  of  declaring  their 
sentiment ; — that  it  is  gospel-wise  for  the  Association,  when- 
ever they  receive  official  information  that  any  church  in  the 
Union  has  fallen  from  th«  faith  and  practice  of  the  Gospel, 
that  the  Association  may  and  ought  to  withdraw  their  fel- 
lowship from  such  church  as  fully  and  publicly,  as  they 
formed  fellowship  with  them  at  first." 

The  proposition  made  last  year  to  divide  the  association, 

4 


62  SIIAFTSBDRY   ASSOCIATION.  [1790 

was  postponed  for  the  present,  and  the  Brethren  continued 
a  few  years  more  in  the  same  body. 

The  circular  letter  was  written  by  Elder  Lemuel  Covell 
of  Pittstown  ; — on  "  Close  walk  with  God  f  and  the  Corres- 
ponding Letter,  by  Elder  Joseph  Cornell,  we  insert,  because 
so  brief  and  appropriate,  as  a  specimen  of  his  style  of 
thought  and  writing.  Elder  Cornell  had  removed  to  Gal- 
way,  2nd  church,  in  1794,  from  Manchester,  Vt.,  and  re- 
mained ^ve  years  as  Pastor  of  the  Galway  church,  when  he 
became  a  missioHary  in  Western  New  York  and  Upper  Ca- 
nada for  three  years,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Mass.  Bap. 
Miss.  Society.  We  insert  this  Corresponding  Letter  from 
his  pen,  as  a  kind  token  of  fraternal  regard,  fi'om  one  body 
of  the  Christian  discipleship  to  another. 

"  The  Shaftshury  Association,  to  the  Corre ^ponding  Associations 
sendefh  Christian  Salvation. 

"  Beloved  in  Cheist  cub  Lord. 

"Through  the  goodness  of  God,  another  of  our  long  -wished  for  an- 
niversary meetings  has  come,  which  gives  us  an  opportunity  of  ad- 
dressing you;  and  it  is  with  joy  we  have  blessed  news  to  communi- 
cate, that  large  additions  have  been  made  to  a  number  of  our  church- 
es. The  cords  of  Zion  are  lengthened,  and  her  stakes  are  strengthen- 
ed; the  prophecies  and  promises  of  Christ  are  fast  fulfihiug, — bis 
work  is  before  hira,  and  he  will  reign  until  he  has  put  all  his  enemies 
under  his  feet.  But  while  our  hearts  are  bursting  forth  in  songs,  that 
the  wilderness  buds  and  blossums  as  the  rose,  and  the  desert  is  be- 
come a  fruitful  field  iu  many  places  ; — we  are  cheeked  with  heavy 
tidings  from  other  of  our  churches,  that  a  great  declension  has  taken 
place  among  them,  through  the  baneful  influence  of  the  honors  of  the 
world,  the  cares  of  this  life,  and  the  dcceitfuhiess  of  riches  ;  so  that 
our  cup  is  mingled  with  joy  and  grief.  Joy,  to  hear  of  the  outpour- 
ing of  God's  spirit  in  the  conversion  of  sinners  ;  being  assured  that 
all  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  who  ai'e 
called  according  to  his  purpose  ; — knowing  that  such  are  built  on  that 
rock  against  wliich  the  gates  of  Hell  shall  never  prevail.  Grief,  to 
to  find  that  any  should  forsake  their  firpt  Love,  be  hiudered  in  their 
heavenly  race,  and  wound  the  heart  and  bands  of  Christ  iu  the  house 
of  his  friends.  But  while  we  rejoice  with  those  that  rejoice,  weep 
with  those  that  weep,  and  mourn  over  those  that  are  fallen  ; — wo  have 


CPAP.  II.]  sp:cond  ten  years.  QS 

this  to  comfort'  us,  that  religion  has  gained  much  ground  among  u3 
the  year  past :  blessed  be  God !  Now,  Dear  Brethren,  we  desire  to 
continue  our  correspondence  with  you,  that  we  may  know  of  you, 
how  the  cause  of  truth  prevails  among  your  chmxhes ;  and  our  sin- 
cere prayers  are,  that  the  enemies  of  Christ  may  bow  before  his 
truth,  the  flood  of  errors  be  dried  up,  and  the  Iving  of  Glory  reign 
triumphautly  throughout  the  earth. 

"  AVith  pleasure  we  have  received  Minutes,  Letters  and  Messen- 
gers from  several  of  our  sister  Associations,  and  wish  to  return  the 
tokens  of  Love  and  Friendship.  And  may  the  Lord  preserve  us  all 
*rom  every  evil,  and  bting  us  to  his  heavenly  Kingdom. 

"■By  order  of  the  Association, 

Samuel  Rogers,  Jfoderator. 

"  Attest,  Edwaed  Barber,  Clerk.'' 

1800. 

The  Twentieth  Anniversary  of  the  Association,  which 
will  close  up  the  history  both  of  the  18th  century,  and  the 
second  period  of  the  existence  of  this  Body,  was  held  in  El- 
der Blood's  meeting  house  at  Shaftsbury  center,  on  the  5th 
and  Gth  of  June.  The  Introductory  discourse  was  by  Elder 
Justus  Hull,  according  to  appointment,  from  2  Cor.  4 : 
7, — "  But  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen  vessels,  that  the 
excellency  of  the  power  may  be  of  God,  an  '  not  of  us." 

Elder  Blood  was  chosen  Moderator,  for  the  sixth  time,  in 
a  dozen  years,  and  Elder  Elias  Lee,  of  Ballston  Spa,  Clerk. 

The  letters  being  read  from  the  several  churches,  furnish- 
ed statistics  for  the  table  following  :  which  we  copy  entire, 
as  we  did  in  the  year  l79l, — that  the  state  of  the  whole 
Body  may  be  seen  at  a  glance. 

N.  B.  Names  of  ministers  are  in  small  capitals.  Those 
with  this  mark  *,  were  not  present.  From  churches  mark- 
ed thus  t,  w^e  had  no  accounts,  this  session.  A  dash  —  de- 
notes no  settled  minister. 


64 


SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION, 


[1800 


Churches. 


Ballston  \ 
Cambridge, 


1st  Canaan, 
2d  Canaan, 
Chatham, 
\st  Cheshire, 


Bd  Cheshire, 


Chesterfield, 

Clifton  Park,  f 
Chester, 

\st  Galway, 

2d  Gal  way, 

Granville,  •(• 
Great  Barrington, 
\st  Greenfield,  f 
2d  Cheenfield, 

Hancock, 
\st  Hartford, 


2nd  Hartford,  f 
\st  Hillsdale, 

2nd  Hillsdale, 
Kingsborough, 
Mapletown, 

Mayficld, 
1  St  Milton,  f 
^nd  Milton, 


Ministers  &  Messengers 


Israel  Craw,  Comfort 
Curtis,  Henry  Smith, 
Joseph  Colhns. 

Ellice  Bromley.  * 

Elisha  Barnes.  * 

Job  Champion. 

Peter  Werden,  Stephen 
Carpenter,  Stephen 
Bray  ton,  Jonathan  Rich- 
ardson, 

John  Leland,  *  Nathan 
Mason,  *  Josiah  God- 
DARD,  *  Joel  Redway 
Nathan  Mason,  2nd 
Wilham  Wolcott. 

Ebenezer  ViNiNG,  Mat 
thew  B  u  r  k,  Consider 
White. 

Jehiel  Fox,  John  Punder 

son,  Hezekiah  Baldwin 
Joseph     Chaw,    Alpheut^ 

Moore. 

— ,  James   Job,  Jame: 

Warner. 

Jedutham  Gray.  * 

,   Lemuel   Taylor 

Jeffords. 

Clark   Rogers,*    Denni 

SON  Eggleston, William 

Douglas. 
Amasa    Brown,    Issachar 

Bates,  Aaron  Smith,  A 

Ingolsbee. 

Abel  Brown,  Thomas 
Rodman,  Benj.  Twiss. 


Sam'l    Rogers,  D. 

Solomon  Gale. 
Hezekiah  Gorton.* 

Elias  Leb, 


Rose, 


18 


214 


1    1 

5    1 

1 

2 


29 


19 


8  10 


n 

1 

9 

2 

S 

28 

12 

4 

18 

9 

27 

1 

1 

CHAP.  II.] 


SECOND   TEN     YEARS. 


65 


t> 

O 

ts 

c 

H 

Churches. 

Ministers  &  Messengers. 

a 
o 

o 

^ 
o' 

O 

5 

o 

H 
9- 

Northumberland,  f 

Calvin  Hulbeet.* 

67 

Partridgejicld, 

Ebenezer    Smith,  John 

Couch. 

9 

1 

55 

1st  Fittstoivn, 

L.  CovELL,  I.  Webb,  John 

Rouse,  Jared  Carter. 

n 

9 

2 

1 

81 

2nd  Pittstoion, 

Stephen  Hunt. 

5 

4 

49 

1st  Providence, 

J.  Finch,  Sam'l  Halsted. 

44 

7 

8 

95 

2nd  Providence, 

4 

1 

45 

Pow?ial, 

C.  Nichols,  Henry  Gard- 
n  e  r,  Jedediah  Ayles- 

worth,  Isaac  Clark. 

10 

10 

o 

2 

128 

Sandisjield, 

Jesse  Hartwell,  Jo.shua 

Emms,  Asahel  M^rse. 

9 

2 

3 

165 

1st  Saratoga, 

1 

7 

4 

1 

28 

2ml  Saratoga, 

,   Nathaniel  Saxton, 

Peter  Baker. 

14 

40 

Savoy,  3fass.,  \ 

Nathan  Haskins.* 

32 

Schodack, 

Stephen  Olmstead, David 

Turner,  Jas.  Cole. 

83 

2 

1 

92 

1st  Shaftshury, 

,    Cyprian    Downer, 

Moses  Sage,    Araaziah 
Martin,   Thomas  Matti- 

son. 

7 

3 

3 

98 

2nd  Shaftshury, 

,  James  Herrington, 

Pel  eg  Mattison,  Judah 

Werden. 

2 

1 

88 

4th  Shaftshury, 

Caleb  BLOOD.Isaiah  Hen- 
drick,    Benjamin    Cole. 

David  Mattison. 

7 

3 

2 

2 

366 

Stcphentoum  d'  Petirs- 

Justus  Hull,  Caleb  Bent- 

burgh. 

ley,  Ebenezer    Pearee, 
Henry  Reynolds,Alder- 

mau  Baker. 

136 

2 

2 

298 

West  Stockbridge, 

Eber  Moffitt,  *    Fairing 

Wilson. 

7 

3 

77 

2nd  Stephentown, 

Robert  Niles,*  Edward 

Carr,  Jesse  Goodrich. 

14 

3 

1 

77 

Williamstown,  f 

18 

46  Churches. 

33  Ministers. 

767 

117 

47 

35 

4,127 

The  Bottskill  church,  for  some  reason  not  specified  in  the 
minutes,  withdrew  from  the  body,  though  not  from  its  fel- 
lowship ;  and  the  Stillwater  church,  though  represented  by 
three  delegates,  yet  gave   no  statistics  for   the  minutes,  be- 


G6  SnAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1600 

cause  they  were  in  a  broken  condition  , — so  that  the  total  of 
members  in  the  Association,  does  not  seem  as  large  as  would 
have  been  expected,  after  an  accession  of  7G7.  The  net 
increase  from  last  year,  is  but  G7 ; — while  if  those  two 
churches  had  reported  the  number  of  the  previous  year, 
404, — the  net  gain  would  have  been  531  ; — :md  the  total 
number,  4,591.  But  with  the  diminution  above  named, 
from  the  absence  of  the  statisties  of  these  churches,  the  year 
1800  presents  a  great  increase  from  the  year  1791,  when 
we  printed  the  whole  statistics  before.  Let  us  compare 
them  for  a  moment. 

In  1800,  46  chhs. ;  S3  ministers  ;  1&1  added  ;  aud  a  total  of  4,127 
"     1791,26     «         ]9         "  408       "  "  ],15i 

lecrease,  20     "        14         "  379  more  added  in  a  yeai,  and  2,373 

more  members  ;  or  more  than  double  the  membership,  and 
nearly  double  the  number  of  churches  and  ministers.  This 
was  a  great  enlargement  in  only  nine  years  ;  and  a  greater 
still  in  ]  9  years,  or  since,the  association  was  organized,  in 
1781.  Surely  might  the  Fathers  and  Brethren  exclaim  at 
this  session,  in  comparing  the  beginning  of  the  Body,  with 
the  then  present  condition  of  their  churches,  and  of  the  de- 
nomination in  these  parts  ; — "  What  hath  God  wrought  ?" 
What  a  firmament  of  churches  in  the  eye  of  our  Brethren  ! 
and  what  a  galaxy  of  stars  in  the  moral  worth,  piety  and 
talents  of  such  ministers,  as  A.  Brown,  Barber,  Blood, 
Covell,  J.  Craw,  J.  Fox,  H.  Gorton,  Gray,  Hull,  Hartwell, 
Irish,  Lcknd,  Mason,  Niles,  Nichols,  Olmstead,  Smith,  Vi- 
ning,  Webb  and  the  venerable  Wetden,  now  leaning  on  his 
staff  for  support,  while  he  worshipped  God  among  his  Breth- 
ren. An  unusual  amount  of  talent,  piety  and  worth,  con- 
centrated in  one  Association  !  What  wonder  if  these  ^'hest 
gifts"  in  the  ministry  were  coveted  by  the  churches  else- 
where, and  some  of  them  drawn  away  toother  fields  of  labor 
in  the  growing  west,  as  were  a  Gorton,  Hartwell,  Irish, 
Niles  and  some  others,  in  a  few  years. 

Of  the  revivals  reported  this  year,  the  most  powerful  had 
been  enjoyed  in  the  3  Cheshire,  and  the  Stephentown  and 
Petersburgh  churches.  There  had  been  good  accessions  to  a 
large  proportion  of  the  churches,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  table 
of  statistics  J  but  the  showers  of  grace  came  down  upoa  the 


CHAP.  II.]  SECOND    TEN     YEARS.  67 

churches  under  the  care  of  Elders  Hull  and  Leland.  We 
cannot  furnish,  as  would  be  gratifying,  a  specific  account  of 
the  work  in  Elder  Hull's  congregation  ;  though  it  must  be 
a  powerful  work  of  Divine  grace^that  increases  a  church  in 
one  year  from  I G5  to  298,  a  gain  of  133.  But  of  the  revi- 
val in  3  Cheshire,  under  Elder  Leland's  labors,  the  follow- 
ing account  from  his  own  pen  will  be  acceptable,  we  pre- 
sume. After  stating  the  labors  of  his  ministry  for  a  number 
of  years  in  itinerating  in  New  England  and  New  York ;  he 
says : 

"In  August  1*797,  I  made  a  tour  to  Virginia,  and  was  gone  six 
months.  I  preached  all  the  way  there,  and  traveled  and  preached 
among  my  old  friends  three  months,  and  then  returned,  having  trav- 
eled more  than  2,000  miles,  and  preached  more  than  170  times.  My 
friends  through  the  whole  received  me  kindly ; — but  I  saw  no  great 
revivals  of  religion  anywhere,  save  only  at  Scotch  Plains,  ( N.  J.,) 
among  Mr.  Vauhorn's  people.  After  my  retm-n,  I  was  busily  em- 
ployed in  domestic  concerns  for  about  18  months,  preparing  to  go  to 
Virginia  again,  in  August,  1799.  To  this  end,  I  had  sent  on  appoint 
ments  for  meetings,  about  one  hundred  miles  on  my  way,  as  far  as 
Carmel  meeting  house.  Having  finished  my  domestic  affairs  a  fort- 
night before  my  appointmeuta  began,  I  told  the  people  in  Cheshire, 
that  I  would  preach  for  them  every  day  or  night  until  I  started.  At 
this  time,  a  heavenly  visitant  came  to  my  house, — my  heart,  with  the 
salutation  of  "Peace  be  to  you, — peace  on  Earth  and  good  will  to 
man."  When  I  sat  in  niy  house,  it  would  seem  as  if  the  room  was 
white-washed  with  love.  "When  I  went  into  the  field,  a  circle  of 
heavenly  mildness  would  seem  to  surround  me,  and  the  following 
words  would  be  injected  into  my  heart  again,  again,  and  again  ;  "The 
Lord  will  work."  My  meetings  during  this  "feast  of  tabernacles,"  (as 
I  called  the  fortnight,)  were  crowded.  At  the  meeting-house,  such 
silence  reigned  as  I  had  never  seen  before.  My  struggle  of  mind  was 
great,  whether  I  should  go  to  Virginia  and  leave  these  hopefid  ap- 
pearances, or  stay  at  home,  and  strive  to  fan  the  sparks.  And  as  the 
time  drew  on,  my  struggles  increased.  I  prepared  for  my  joiuTiey, 
and  preached  my  last  sermons  a  few  miles  on  the  way.  The  people 
followed  in  droves,  and,  in  time  of  meeting,  wept  bitterly.  I  finally 
went  on  my  journey,  and  attended  my  appointments,  which  I  before 
Jiad  made,  the  distance  of  100  miles.^and   then   returned  back.     I 


S8  SHAFTSBTJKY   ASSOCIATIOI?.  [1800 

was  gone  about  twenty  days,  preached  about  tbe  same  number  of  ser- 
mons, and  baptised  13  persons.  On  my  return,  I  found  the  -work  had 
broken  out  like  the  mighty  rushing  waters.  This  indueed  me  to 
preach  every  day  or  night  until  the  March  following,  in  Tvhich  time 
more  than  tivo  hundred  were  baptised. 

Before  the  woi'k  made  a  visible  appearance,  and  for  three  montha 
afterwards,  there  was  not  a  day  but  what  I  had  the  spirit  of  prayer, 
and  a  travail  for  souls  ;  and  often  felt  as  if  I  should  sink  under  the 
weight  of  my  burden,  if  souls  were  not  delivered  Sometimes,  indi- 
viduals would  lay  in  my  heart ;  at  other  times,  the  longing  desire 
woidd  be  more  general.  After  three  months  I  felt  that  spirit  of 
prayer  abate,  but  the  spirit  of  pri^aehing  continued  for  thi-ee  months 
afterwards,  until  the  ingathering  was  over,  and  then,  the  peculiar  im- 
pression which  I  had,  subsided."^^ 

Very  few  of  the  churclies  had  received  no  accessions  du- 
ring the  year.  Several  that  were  barren  the  year  before, 
had  been  favored  Avith  a  blessing  ;  while  the  following  had 
shared  in  the  continued  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  from 
the  year  previous,  receiving  almost  an  equal  number  each 
year  ;  viz  :  Chesterfield.  18  this  year,  and  27  the  last ;  Great 
Barrington,  29' this  year,  and  24  the  last;  1  Hillsdale,  28, 
this  year,  and  32  the  last ;  2  Hillsdale,  12  this  year,  and  14 
the  last ;  Mayfield,  27  this  year,  and  16  the  last ;  Schodack, 
33  this  year,  and  17  the  last ;  1  Stephentown,  135  this  year, 
and  21  the  last;  and  2  Stephentown,  14  this  yea]',  and  10 
the  last.  Beside  these,  it  will  be  seen  by  the  statistical 
table,  that  considerable  additions  were  made  to  the  Cam- 
bridge, 1st  Canaan,  Chatham,  1  Cheshire,  Elder  Werdcii's; 
Kingsboro',  1  Providence,  Pownal,  and  2  Saratoga  churches. 
This  anniversary  must  have  been  a  joyful  occasion  to  the 
ministers  and  brethren  present,  in  recounting  the  wonders 
of  grace  during  the  year,  among  so  large  a  number  of  the 
churches,  bringing  into  the  folds  of  the  Heavenly  Shepherd 
so  many  lambs  of  Christ,  and  returning  a  large  number  of 
the  sheep  who  had  wandered  from  their  Shepherd's  care. 
It  might  well  be  called  a  year  of  Jubilee.  And  the  feast 
was  kept  by  a  large  gathering,  both  of  ministering  and  other 
brethren,  from  near  and  far  off.  There  were  present  Tiven- 
iy  ministers,  as  delegates  from  their  respective  churches,  be- 

*  Av.to-biography  of  Elder  J.  Leland,  in  liisivorks,  p.  81. 


CHAP  II.]  SECOND    TEN    YEARS.  69 

side  some  sixty  other  brethren  ;  who  with  a  dozen  or  more 
visiting  ministers,  made  nearly  one  hundred  members  of  the 
Body  at  this  veiy  interesting  session.  The  following  As- 
sociations were  represented  by  Messengers  or  minutes,  or 
both, 
Philadelphia,       Elder  Andrew  Ilarpending,  and  Minutes  ; 

New  York,  ,  Letter  and  INIinutes ; 

Danbury,  Elder  Babcock,     "  and         " 

Leydea,  '*      Bemis,         "  and         " 

Otsego,  N.  Y.,     Elders  Hosmer  and  Lawton,  and   a  letter  ; 

Woodstock,  Minutes : 

Warren,  Elder  Orcutt,  Letter  and  Minutes  ; 

Rensselaerville,  Elder  David  Mudge,  Letter  and        " 

Various  items  of  business  are  recorded,  which  deserve  to 
be  mentioned,  among  which  are  the  following. 

"10.  '■'•Query,  from  the  1st  church  in  Cheshire; — Is  it 
not  best,  all  things  considered,  to  endeavor  to  promote  a 
public  fund  for  the  benefit  of  suffering  churches  in  the  As- 
sociation ?" 

"Recommended  to  the  consideration  of  the  churches,  and 
wish  them  to  signify  the  result  of  their  deliberations  to  the 
association,  at  our  next  session." 

"11. — Elder  Ebenezer  Smith  presented  a  petition  from 
the  church  in  Partridgefield,  stating  that  they  are  in  distress, 
by  being  taxed,  and  having  their  property  sold  at  public 
auction,  to  assist  in  building  a  Congregational  meeting- 
house ;  that  there  is  some  hope  of  obtaining  redress,  if  they 
can  raise  money  enough  to  carry  on  a  suit  at  law  ; — they 
therefore  request  the  advice  and  assistance  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  their  embarrassed  situation.'' 

The  brethren  after  some  deliberation,  proposed  to  aid 
them  by  a  contribution,  which  amounted  to  $45,50.  And 
to  this,  they  added  the  following  salutary  piece  of  advice, 
viz : 

"To  strive  to  be  at  peace  with  all  men  ;  but  at  the  same 
time  to  use  all  lawful  endeavors  to  preserve  inviolate  the 
rights  of  conscience  and  property  :^and  as  v  e  think  the 
conduct  complained  of,  is  a  violation  of  both,  we  conclude 
they  have  a  right  to  stand  in  their  own  defence  ;  and  do 
promise  to  afford  them  further  assistance  if  needed,  to  re- 
lieve them  from  their  present   distress.     In  order  to  carry 


70  SHAFTSBTTRY    ASSOCIATION.  [1800 

the  above  mentioned  purpose  into  execution,  Elders,  Wer- 
den,  Leland  and  Smitli,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  de- 
liver the  money  collected,  and  report  to  the  churches,  what 
further  assistance  they  need." 

This  was  the  first  instance  of  a  like  kind,  occurring,  in 
in  the  history  of  this  body,  and  it  came  up  before  the  breth- 
ren again  in  subsequent  years.  The  design  of  the  query 
from  the  Cheshire  church  about  a  public  fund  in  the  asso- 
ciation, was,  doubtless,  to  furnish  the  means  wherewith  any 
church  might  be  defended  against  illegal  or  oppressive  mea- 
sures, like  those  that  afflicted  this  church  of  Christ.  The 
Ashfield  church,  for  a  few  years  in  this  body,  had  been  a 
like  sufferer  from  the  oppressions  of  a  sister  denomination. 
Backus  says  of  this  case,  in  his  church  history  of  New  En- 
gland : 

"The  town  of  Ashfield  was  planted  in  1751,  and  a  Bap- 
tist church  was  constituted  and  organized  there,  in  17G1, 
■with  a  large  majority  of  the  inhabitants  in  their  favor.  They 
had  upheld  worship  there  through  all  the  perils  of  a  long 
war ;  yet  after  it  was  over,  others  came  in,  and  obtained  a 
congregational  minister,  and  taxed  the  Baptist  minister,* 
and  his  people,  for  his  support.  One  condition  in  the  grant 
of  the  town  was,  that  they  should  settle  an  orthodox  minis- 
ter, and  build  a  meeting  house  ; — and  as  the  Baptists  were 
taxed  for  doing  that,  they  paid  it.  But  after  they  had  done 
it,  a  law  was  made  in  1768,  which  took  the  power  out  of 
the  hands  of  the  inhabitants,  and  put  it  into  the  hands  of  the 
proprietors,  many  of  whom  did  not  live  in  the  town,  to  tax 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  for  the  support,  of  said  mins- 
ter, and  to  lay  the  tax  wholly  upon  the  lands,  be  they  in 
whose  hands  they  might ;  and  to  sell  the  lands,  if  the  owners 
refused  to  pay  it.  The  word  support  was  not  in  the  origi- 
ginal  grant  of  the  town  from  the  government.  Yet  in  1770, 
three  hundred  and  ninety-eight  acres  of  land,  owned  by  the 
Baptists,  was  sold,  because  they  refused  to  pay  a  tax  laid 
contrary  to  the  original  grant  of  said  lands.  They  sought 
to  the  legislature  for  relief,  without  any  success  for  near 
three  years,  and   then  sent  to  the    King  in  council,  and  got 

*  This  very  minister,  was  the  Eev.  Ebenezer  Smith,  of  Partridgefleld,  lii  1800, 
and  who  asked  the  intervention  of  the  Shaftsbuvy  Bodv,  witli  money  and  othov 
needful  aid,  aQ;aihst  reli;rious  opprpssion. 


CHAP.  II.]  SECOND    TEN    YEARS.  71 

that  law  disannulled.  But  no  sooner  was  the  news  of  it 
published  here,  than  a  malicious  prosecution  was  commenced 
against  the  character  of  a  chief  father  of  that  Baptist  church, 
and  though  he  was  fully  acquitted  upon  trial,  yet  he  got  no 
recompense  for  his  costs  and  trouble.  This  plainly  discov- 
ers what  wickedness  is  the  consequence  of  supporting  reli- 
gious ministers  by  force."  Backus,  p.    190-191. 

This  is  but  one  of  many  similar  persecutions  for  conscience 
sake,  to  which  our  Baptist  Brethren,  in  Massachusetts,  were 
subjected  in  the  earlier  period  of  our  colonial  history,  and 
before  the  war  of  the  revolution  had  wakened  up  a  general 
love  of  liberty,  and  made  the  whole  people  jealous  of  all  en- 
croachments upon  it.  And  yet  the  right  to  enjoy  liberty  of 
conscience  in  matters  of  religion,  seemed  not  to  have  been 
well  understood  and  properly  respected,  by  very  many,  un- 
til pa»t  the  close  of  the  Eighteenth  Century.  For  further 
illustrations  of  this  spirit  of  persecution,  as  recorded  by 
Backus  and  Benedict ;  see  the  note  below.* 

Another  matter  of  general  interest  that  came  ap  at  this 
sessioa  is  found  in  the  following  paragraph  of  the  records  of 
the  Body.  Here  is  the  germ  of  that  organization  of  our  de- 
nomination for  missionary  objects  and  for  Christian  inter- 
course from  time  to  time,  that  was  finally  accomplished  in 
the  Providence  of  God,  by  the  instrumentality  of  Judson  and 

*In  further  illustration  of  the  severity  of  the  Congregationalists  or  "standing  or- 
der." against  the  Ashfield  Brethren,  read  the  following  extra  it  from  Benedict'a  his- 
tory of  the  Baptists,  Vol.  1,  p.  435,  436. 

"  The  Ashfield  church  formerly  belonged  to  the  Warren  Association,  but  for  some 
reason  it  does  not  now,  (in  ISI'2)  associate  with  any  connection.  It  was  formed  in 
1761,  and  Ebenezer  Smith  became  its  pastor.  For  a  number  of  years,  this  church 
and  its  adherents  were  persecuted  with  great  severity  by  the  predominant  party. 
In  17711,  about  400  acres  of  their  land  were  disposed  of  at  public  sale,  by  the  furious 
parish  tax-gatherers.  For  a  demand  of  less  than  four  iloUar>i,  Mr.  Smith  was  dis- 
possessed of  ten  acres  of  his  home  lot.  From  his  father  was  taken  iiventt/  acres, 
containing  his  orchard  and  burying  ground,  which  was  struck  off  to  one  Wells,  for 
le.ss  than  seven  dollars.  This  coveting  of  fields,  and  taking  tbem  by  force,  goes  be- 
yond any  thing  we  read  of  in  England.  There  is  an  account  of  the  Pope  taking 
land  in  a  similar  way,  from  the  Waklenses  in  France  ; — but  in  prutestant  countries 
no  example  of  the  kind  appears.  In  these  distressing  circumstances  the  B.iptists 
petitioned  the  Boston  Assembly  for  relief,' — a  number  of  fair  promises  were  made, 
but  no  assistance  was  afforded  them,  until  they  by  the  assistance  of  Gov.jHutchinson, 
addressed  the  king  and  council,  by  whom  the  law,  which  sanctioned  their  oppressions, 
was  disannulled,  and  their  land  order  d  to  be  restored.  The  business  was  not  finally 
settled  until  1774,  by  which  time,  the  minister,  who  had  been  the  occasion  of  all 
this  oppression,  became  obnoxious  to  his  own  people,  and  went  off  with  the  estate 
which  had  been  settled  upon  him." — [Sened/ct,  A'«o  £r/.  p.  420. 

Another  case  of  cruel  religious  persecution,  is  narrated  by  the  venerable  Backus, 
as  endured  by  the  Baptists  iu  Stcrbeidge;  in  the  following  words: 

"  The  cerlificate  acts  which  were  made  from  lime  to  time,  to  e.xempt  us  from 
ministerial   taxes,   were  often  violated  by  our  oppressors,  especially  wliere  now 


72  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1800 

Luther  Rice,  in  1814,  when  the  latter  had  rallied  our  de- 
nomination together,  to  accept  the  services  of  the  former,  as 
our  first  Foreign  Missionary  among  the  heathen. 

"  Ite7n  12.  Took  into  consideration  the  motion  from  the 
Philadelphia  Association,  respecting  a  general  conference, 
which  is  in  these  words  : — '  Apprehensive  that  many  advan- 
tages may  result  from  a  General  Conference,  composed 
of  one  or  more  members  from  each  Association,  to  be  held 
every  one,  tico  or  three  years,  as  may  seem  most  subservient 
to  the  interests  of  our  Lord's  Kingdom  ;  this  Association  re- 
spectfully invites  the  different  Associations  in  the  United 
States  to  favor  them  with  their  views  on  the  subject.'  Afler 
some  conference  on  the  subject,  concluded  to  recommend  it 
to  our  churches  to  favor  us  with  their  views  on  the  matter, 
at  our  next  session ;  and  we  will  then  return  an  answer  to 
the  Philadelphia  Association." 

'■'■Item  13,  On  motion  of  Elders  Webb  and  CovelJ,  voted 
to  recommend  it  to  the  churches,  to  lend  some  assistance  to 
the  Baptist  church  in  the  village  of  Troy,  towards  building 
a  house  for  divine  worship.  When  we  consider  that  their 
number  at  present  is  but  snvall,  and  consists  mostly  of  fe- 
males,— there  being  not  more  than  two  or  three  males  who 
can  advance  any  thing  towards  such  an  undertaking : — and 
at  the  same  time  consider  that  there  is  a  favorable   prospect 

churches  were  formed.  The  Baptist  cliurch  that  was  formed  at  Sturbridge  in  1749, 
gave  in  cortiflcates  according  to  law,  and  yet  they  were  all  taxed  to  the  parish  min- 
ister;—and  in  two  j-ears./Jr^"  men  were  imprisoned  for  it,  at  Worcester  ;  and  ihrc-e 
oxen,  and  i!i(jhf  cows  were  taken  away  besides  a  ereat  deal  of  other  projierty.  Sev- 
eral men  sued  for  recompense,  aJid  at  length  .iudgment  was  given  for  them,  in  one 
case  ;  but  the  other  cases  were  non-suited,  under  the  jiretence  that  the  actions  were 
not  commenced  against  the  right  persons.  The  Baptists  judg&l  that  their  damages 
in  these  caaes  were  not  loss  than/oM?'  /niniircd  dollars.  And  a  representative  from 
Sturbridge  prevailed  with  our  Legislature  to  m.ako  a  new  law  in  1752,  to  exclude 
ali'Baptist  churches  from  power  to  give  certificates,  until  they  had  obtained  certifi- 
cates from  three  otiier  Baptist  churches,  that  they  esteemed  said  eh  urcli^  to  be  con- 
scientiously Anabaptists ; — that  is.  rehaptizers^ — which  they  never  did  believe. — 
Yet,  rather  than  to  sutTer  continually,  most  of  the  Baptists  conformed  in  some  mea- 
sure to  their  laws,  until  they  were  convinced  that  true  /(«'/)  could  pot  bo  had  in  that 
way,  and  therefore  they  concluded  in  177.3,  to  give  no  more  certificates,  and  pub- 
lished their  reasons  for  so  doing." — [Backus,  p.  190. 

One  more  extract,  to  illustrate  the  spirit  of  persecution,  visited  in  those  days, 
upon  om-  fathers  for  their  tenacity  to  Baptist  views. 

"  More  of  this  appeared  in  other  places.  After  the  Baptist  church  was  fornied  in 
n«verhill,  (Mass.)  in  1765,  they  gave  in  certificates  to  the  other  denom'n,alion  ac- 
cording to  law ;  and  yet  they  M-ere  all  tfixed  to  them.  And  in  17()t;,  a  large  quan- 
tity of  goods  were  taken  from  one  of  their  society  ;  and  they  sued  for  recompense 
in  several  courts,  until  judgment  was  given  in  their  favoE,  iii  1707,  by  our  superior 
court.  Their  opponents  had  promised  that  this  sliould  bo  a  final  trial;— yet  they 
violatwl  that  promise,  aud  procured  another  trial  in  June,  1709,  when  the  case  was 


CHAP.  II.]  SECOND     TEN     YEARS.  73 

of  their  society's  increasing,  if  tliey  had  a  suitable  place  to 
meet  in,  and  had  preaching  part  of  tlie  time,  (which  they 
might  have,  if  they  had  a  house,) — together  with  the  im- 
portance of  having  the  cause  of  religion  built  up  in  that 
place  ;  we  flatter  ourselves  that  our  churches  will  come 
forward  with  promptitude,  and  contribute  liberally  for  so 
noble  a  purpose." 

It  does  not  appear  by  the  minutes  of  succeeding  years 
how  much,  or  whether  any  thing  was  contributed  in  aid  of 
the  then  infant  cause  in  Troy  ;  but  be  that  as  it  may,  the 
Lord  took  this  interest  under  his  patronage,  and  so  caused  it 
to  flourish  that  the  Association  was  held  in  the  Baptist  meet- 
ing house  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  in  the  year  1806,  when  the  church 
reported  a  membership  of  76,  with  Elder  Webb,  as  their 
Pastor.  And  now  what  a  contrast !  After  the  lapse  of  fifty 
years,  according  to  the  statistics  of  1852  the  Baptist  cause 
in  Troy  is  composed  of  two  strong  churches,  the  First  em- 
bracing a  membership  of  754 ;  and  the  Second,  or  North 
church,  having  241  members  ;  being  a  total  of  about  one 
thousand  in  the  two  churches.  Surely  "  the  little  one  has 
become  a  thousand,  and  the  small  one,  a  strong  people  "  in 
this  case,  literally. 

The  circular  and  corresponding  letters  for  this  year  were 
by  Elders  Barber  and  Webb.     The,  first  by  the  excellent 

turned  against  the  Bap:ist.s  -which  cost  them  250  dollars.  And  they  suffered 
much,  other  ways,  for  several  yea's,  but  they  have  been  well  tr»aied  since. 

"  At  Montague,  they  made  distress  upon  the  Baptist  Committee,  who  signed 
their  certificates,  and  not  upon  others,  and  when  they  sued  for  recompense,  tho 
case  was  turned  against  them,  both  in  tlieir  inferior  and  superior  courts,  upon  a 
pretence  that  they  could  not  witness  for  themselves; — though  there  were  three  of 
them  ;  and  if  their  names  h;d  not  been  in  the  lists,  they  could  not  have  been  ex- 
empted. And  both  there,  and  in  the  Haverhill  case.  Baptists  were  not  admitted  as 
witnesses  of  plain  facts,  because  they  were  parties  concerned; — though  judges  and 
jurors  were  as  much  so  as  they  : — [on  the  other  side]. 

"  The  Baptists  in  Berwick  and  Goreham  suffered  much  in  these  ways,  as  many 
others  also  did.  And  as  tlieir  exempting  law  expired  in  1774,  another  was  made, 
■which  required  that  their  certificates  should  be  recorded  in  each  parish  where  tlio 
Baptists  lived,  who  must  give  ,/ffi^'pcnc'^,  for  a  copy  of  it,  in  order  to  clear  them- 
selves, which  is  three  pence  sterling; — the  same  as  was  laid  on  a  pound  of  tea, 
wtiich  brought  on  the  war  in  America  !" — {Backu.%  p.  191,  192. 

For  further  particulars  of  such  things,  see  Backus  further,  and  Benedict's  history 
of  the  Baptists.  From  the  spirit  thus  manifested  towards  our  fathers,  and  that  too 
within  a  century,  it  would  hard!}' be  supposed  that  this  same  denomination  of 
Chiistians  would  be  loudly  censuring  us,  because  we  would  not  welcome  them  to 
the  table  of  the  Lord  among  us.  And  yet  it  is  verily  so.  We  would  not,  if  we 
could,  load  them  with  any  civil  disabilities,  pain  or  penalties,  for  their  errors 
in  doctrine  or  practice  ;  much  less  for  their  ill-treatment  of  our  ancestors.  But  we 
wonld  strive  to  win  them,  to  the  truth,  still  farther,  by  a  kind  demeanor,  until 
"we  all  come  to  the  unity  of  the  faith,"  and  acknowledge  the  "One  Lord,  One 
Faith,  and  One  Baptism." — [F2>/i.'i:  5 — 13J 


74  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1800 

Barber,  on  "  Humility  as  one  of  the  most  amiable  qualifica- 
tions of  a  Christian  professor," — we  should  be  glad  to  insert, 
but  for  want  of  room,  an  extract  or  two,  as  a  specimen  of  his 
style  of  thought  and  addi-ess,  must  suffice. 

"  ISTow,  Dear  Brethren,  let  our  station,  or  office  in  the  church  of  God, 
be  what  it  may  ;  let  us  all  remember,  that  if  we  are  for  Christ,  as  we 
profess  to  be,  we  must  renounce  the  Devil  and  all  his  works  ;  that  is, 
we  must  not  be  proud,  but  humble.  Many  are  the  disadvantages  re- 
sulting from  pride,  and  the  advantages  resulting  from  humility  in  all 
stations.  A  proud  minister  displays  the  Devil's  aits,  and  is  running 
directly  into  his  condemnation.  A  humUe  minister  discovers  the 
image  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  obtains  the  approbation  of  Heaven. 
From  pride  and  selfishness  cometh  confusion,  and  every  evil  work. 
Humility  and  disinterestedness,  are  the  source  of  peace,  harmony, 
good  order,  and  piety,  through  the  world  ;  and  particularly  in  the 
church  of  Christ. 

"Again  ;  our  pride,  or  our  humility  will  be  great  or  small,  in  pro- 
portion to  our  knowledge  of  God,  and  ourselves.  The  less  we  know 
of  God  and  ourselves,  the  more  proud  we  shall  be.  The  more  we 
know'of  God.and  of  ourselves,  the  more  humble  \^e  shall  be.  When 
we  consider  the  jwivcr  of  God,  we  shall  be  humbled  under  a  sense  of 
our  own  weakness.  When  we  consider  the  wisdom  of  God,  we  shall 
be  humbled  with  a  sense  of  our  folly.  "When  we  consider  the 
omniscience  of  God,  we  shall  be  humbled  by  a  sense  of  pur  own  igno- 
rance. "When  we  reflect  on  the  itnmcnsity  of  God,  we  shall  be  hum- 
bled by  reflecting  on  our  limited  situation ;  [our  finite  character.] 
"When  we  consider  the  moral  perfections  of  Jehovah,  we  shall  be  hum- 
bled under  a  sense  of  our  vileness  and  pollution.  When  we  consider 
the  humiliation  of  the  adorable  Jesus,  who  never  did  any  wrong, — 
how  poor,  how  wretched,  how  miserable  in  his  birth,  life  and  death  ! 
He  had  no  sumptuous  palace,  no  splendid  attire,  no  treasures  of 
wealth,  no  honorable  friends,  no  conveniences, — not  even  as  much  as 
the  birds  and  foxes  ;  and  to  render  the  affecting  scene  complete,  see 
him  sink  at  last  in  death,  beneath  the  infinite  weight  of  shame  and 
disgrace  !  Pause  a  moment,  and  wonder,  with  Gabriel — at  bis 
inestimable  magnanimity  and  condescension.  Compare  the  whole 
with  our  horrid  pride  and  rebellion  against  God  ;  with  our  anxiety 
for  a  good  habitation,  for  specious  attire,  for  riches  and  wealth,  for 
power    and  promotion,  for  temporal  conveniences    of  every  kind; 


CHAP.    II.]  SECOND     TEN    YEARS.  75 

and  will  it  not  tend  to  humble  ua  iu  the  very  dust  ?  Dear  Bretbren  ! 
"What  is  God  to  us  ?  What  are  we  to  him  ?  How  great  are  his  mer- 
cies ?     how  little  is  our  gratitude  ? 

"  Again ;  if  we  know  our  place  and  station  in  the  scale  of  being,  and 
in  the  church  of  God,  shall  we  not,  if  we  are  truly  humble,  be  content 
therewith  ?  Shall  we  not  keep  it  ?  Shall  we  not  repent  where  we 
have  done  wrong  ?  Shall  we  not  mourn  oyer  our  infirmities,  and  be 
ever  sensible  of  our  entire  dependence  on  the  Lord  of  Life  and  Glory  ? 
Shall  we  not  love  one  another — be  kind — be  pitiful — be  courteous — 
forgive  our  enemies,  esteem  others  better  than  ourselves,  and  conde- 
scend to  men  of  low  degree  ?  In  short,  should  we  not  keep  out  of 
Satan's  dominions,  and  consequently  escape  his  snares  and  gins  ; 
while  at  tho  same  time  the  Lord  would  own  and  bless  us,  as  those 
who  wear  his  own  livery  ?  That  is  "  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and 
quiet  spirit,  which  in  his  sight,  is  of  great  price  ?" 

"  To  conclude,  Brethren ; — Humility  is  the  guardian  of  the  peace  and 
happiness  of  our  churches  ;  while  pride  and  arrogance,  if  indulged, 
will  most  certainly  overthrow  them.  Take  your  Bibles,  search 
and  see  for  yourselves.  And  may  the  Lord  give  us  all,  the  grace  of 
Humility,  Amen." 

A  sermon  was  preached  on  Thursday  mornhig,  by  Elder 
Covell,  from  1  Cor.  12  :  8,  9.  And  the  session  was  closed 
with  exhortation  and  prayer  by  the  Moderator,  Elder 
Blood  ;  when  this  deeply  interesting  anniversary  of  the 
Body  ended,  and  the  Brethren  scattered  once  more  to  their 
respective  fields  of  toil  and  sacrifice,  where  they  might  win 
new  trophies  for  their  King  and  Redeemer. 


76  EIIAFTSBUKY  ASSOCIATION.  [1801 


CHAPTER  ITT. 

Annals  of  the  Bodii  from   1801   to  \Q\\.     The  second  decade  of  years  ; 
— A  period  of  great  in  tercst. 


In  enteriag  upon  tho  events  of  a  new  century,  we  find 
new  objects  of  interest  in  the  history  of  religion,  as  well  as 
in  the  affairs  of  states  and  nations.  The  Nineteenth  century, 
is  to  us  who  live  in  it,  an  eventful  period.  And  indeed,  in 
its  relations  to  the  progress  of  the  arts  and  sciences,  of  poli- 
tics and  religion,  among  the  nations  of  the  Earth,  it  is  a  not 
less  eventful  portion  of  the  history  of  the  world,  than  was 
the  Fifteenth fientury,  the  era  of  the  Protestant  reformation  ; 
nor  scarcely  less  eventful,  so  far  as  we  are  prepared  to  judge 
now,  in  its  meridian,  than  was  the  first  century  of  the 
Christian  era.  During  the  present  century  thus  far,  more 
important  events,  of  a  wide  and  commanding  influence  have 
transpired,  that  affect  the  destinies  of  our  race,  than  during  . 
any  former  century  of  Time.  Not  only  in  the  affairs  of  na- 
tions, in  Europe,  Asia,  and  America,  in  the  arts  and  sci- 
ences— in  navigatioB,  and  commerce  ;  but  in  the  increase 
and  success  of  missionary  efforts,  to  diffuse  the  knovrledge 
of  salvation  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  The  application  of 
steam  power  alone,  to  the  arts  of  mechanism,  printing,  nav- 
igation, and  railroad  travel,  is  one  of  the  greatest  wonders  of 
the  world.  And  if  we  add  to  this,  the  discovery  of  the 
Electric  Telegraph,  whereby  our  continent  is  transformed, 
by  the  use  of  a  net  work  of  magic  wires,  into  one  vast  speak- 
ing gallery,  so  that  its  inhabitants  can  converse  \\'i\\\  each 
other  almost  daily — over  an  area  of  thousands  of  miles  in 
extent  ;  and  surely,  we  may  be  allowed  to  claim  for  this 
century  a  pre-eminence  of  position  above  all  that  have  gone 
before,  in  regard  to  the  arts  that  benefit  man.  And  then  it 
Tfe  take  into  account  the  general  and  rapid  diffusion  ol 
knowledge,  amsng  the  masses  in  every  enlightened,  chris 
tian  country,  the  spirit  of  enterprise  that  is  blending  the  in 


CHAP.    III.]  THIRD    TEN    YEARS.  77 

terests  of  all  nations  into  one  great  Brotherliood  of  states 
:ind  peoples,  by  the  free  intercommunication  of  these  days  ; 
and  especially,  when  we  consider  the  great  and  stirring  ef- 
forts of  Cliristendom,  to  evangelize  the  nations,  by  the  mul- 
tiplication of  Bibles,  religious  books,  tracts  and  periodicals, 
and  the  establishnn:!nt  of  missionary  stations,  churches, 
schools,  and  even  colleges  and  Theological  seminaries  in 
many,  if  not  most  of  the  nations  of  the  world  ;  when  we  con- 
sider all  these  things,  and  mark  the  degree  of  the  Divine 
Favor  upon  these  eiforts  of  his  people  for  the  laatjiffi/ or 
sixty  years,  every  mind  must  be  impressed  with  the  solemn 
conviction,  that  we  live  in  the  most  eventful  period  of  time, 
the  world  has  ever  witnessed.  The  power  of  the  pulpit  and 
the  press  is  felt  upon  the  minds  of  men,  as  never  before  ; 
and  although  the  forces  of  error,  and  of  darkness  may  seem 
to  be  arraying  themselves  in  a  formidable  posture  against 
the  progress  of  Truth  and  Light ;  yet,  we  cannot  be  long  in 
doubt,  which  shall  prevail,  if  we  consider  that  '■'■God  is  for 
the  right,"  and  will  give  unto  his  people  the  "kingdom  and 
the  dominion  under  the  whole  heaven,"  when  he  shall  arise, 
and  by  the  forces  of  Truth  and  Light,  scatter  the  hosts  of 
Error  and  Darkness,  and  drive  them  befoi'e  his  triumphant 
chariot,  like  chaff  before  the  wind,  from  a  summer  threshing 
Hoor. 

Amidst  the  gathering  scenes  of  the  great  drama  of  this 
eventful  century,  the  Shaftsbury  AssocIxVtion  bore  no 
insignilicant  part.  Though  situated  in  the  interior  of  the 
country,  remote  from  the  seats  of  metropolitan  power ;  her 
churches,  and  ministers,  and  her  brotherhood  of  members, 
both  male  and  feoiale,  by  their  prayers  and  alms,  by  their 
active  efforts,  and  sacrifices,  have  added  no  small  amount 
for  the  last  fifty  years,  to  the  vast  stream  of  Christian  in- 
fluence, that  is  pouring  itself  over  the  world,  hastening  the 
day,  when  the  name  of  our  God  shall  be  one,  and  his  praise 
one,  in  all  the  earth.  And  we  trust  the  agency  of  this,  our 
Beloved  mother,  v.'ill  be  gratefully  acknowledged  in  making 
glad  the  once  wilderness  and  solitary  places,  of  central  and 
western  New  York,  as  well  as  the  regions  of  Upper  Cana- 
da beyond,  through  the  labors  of  her  Home  Missionaries, 
who  scattered  the  seed  of  Divine  Truth  with  unsparing 
hands,  among  the  early  settlers  of  those  regions.     Nor  were 


78  SIIAFTSCUHV    ASSOCIATION.  [1801 

the  Fathers  and  Mothers  of  this  Body,  forgetful  of  (he  more 
distant  heathen,  but  at  the  loud  call  of  the  Enghsh  brethren, 
Carey  and  Marshman,  from  India  ;  and  of  our  own  beloved 
Rice  and  Jadson,  from  the  shore*  of  Burraah,  they  formed 
societies,  and  raised  /wnc/s  lor  printing  the  Bible,  as  well  as 
for  the  support  of  the?e  self-denying  missionaries  to  the 
Eastern  world.  Yes,  in  their  day,  as  opportunity  was  of- 
fered them,  the  fathers  and  mothers  of  this  association. so^^7ec? 
beside  all  waters,  the  seed  of  Truth,  and  they  will  bear  their 
part  in  shouting  the  harvest  home,  at  the  end  of  the  world. 
As  early  as  1801,  Uiey  began  to  raise  funds  for  domestic 
missions,  and  in  the  year  1805,  their  united  contributions 
reached  the  handsome  amount,  ofSlG7,01,  for  missionary 
purposes.  But  it  is  time  to  proceed  with  our  narrative  of 
the  doings  of  the  association,  from  year  to  year,  during  the 
first  decade  of  the  Nineteenth  century. 

1801. 

The  Twenty-first  session  of  the  Association  was  lield  with 
the  2  Galway  church,  N.  Y..  and  Elder  Blood  of  Shafts- 
bury,  preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Math.  23  :  8, 
"But  be  ye  not  called  Rabbi ;  for  one  is  your  master,  even 
Christ ;  and  all  ye  are  brethren."  Elder  Blood  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Elder  Lemuel  Covell,  Clerk.  The  church 
at  Amstei-dam,  N.  Y.,  was  received  at  this  session,  with  40 
members.  The  whole  number  of  churches  was  46 ;  of 
ministers,  31  ;  while  there  had  been  added  to  all  the  church- 
es, during  the  year,  395  ;  dismissed,  83  ;  excluded,  72  ; 
died,  33  ;  with  a  total  of  4,318. 

A  number  of  churches  had  been  favored  with  refreshings 
from  on  high,  and  upon  a  few,  showers  had  fallen,  enlarging 
them  very  much  in  numbers.  To  the  2  Canaan  church,  15 
had  been  added.  Elder  Elisha  Barns,  pastor;  to  1  Cheshire, 
9  ;  3  Cheshire,  9  also ;  to  Clifton  Park,  now  headed  by  the 
amiable  Abijah  Peck,  pastor,  36  ;  to  Chester,  Elder  J.  Fox, 
pastor,  44 ;  to  2  Galway,  64 ;  to  1  Milton,  73  ;  to  Provi- 
dence, by  uniting  the  1st  and  2nd  churches  into  one,  44  ; 
and  to  Stephentown  and  Petersburgh,  under  Elder  Hull,  32 
Lad  been  added. 

Various  matters  of  interest  were  trarvsacted  this  session, 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN     YEARS.  •      79 

and  a  sermon  was  preached  on  Thursday  morning  introduc- 
tory to  business,  by  Elder  O.  "Warren,  of  the  Vermont  As- 
sociation, from  1  Peter  2  :  9.  "But  ye  are  a  chosen  gen- 
eration, a  royal  priesthood,  a  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  people 
&c." 

The  query  from  the  first  church  in  Cheshire,  presented 
at  the  last  meeting,  respecting  vifund  for  the  relief  of  suf- 
fering churches  was  considered  and  answered  as  fellows  : 

'■'■Item  9.  The  Association  esteem  it  duty  to  afford  relief  to 
churches  or  brethren,  who  are  sufiFering  by  oppression, 
(which  is  the  suffering  contemplated  in  the  above  query,)  as 
far  as  we  have  opportunity ;  but,  as  there  are  but  very  few 
of  our  churches  in  a  situation  to  suffer  in  this  way,  we  do 
not  think  it  necessary  to  raise  a  fund  for  that  purpose  ;  but 
would  recommend  it  to  churches  who  are  suffering,  to  make 
known  their  wants  to  the  association,  and  they  will  undoubt- 
edly, obtain  relief."  And  the  next  item  of  business,  is  de- 
signed to  meet  such  a  case,  viz  : 

'■'■Item  10.  Whereas  the  church  in  Partridgefield,  (now 
Hinsdale,)  have  made  application  for  additional  assistance 
in  the  case  they  stated  to  us,  at  our  last  session  ;  the  asso- 
ciation, therefore  recommend  it  to  all  the  churches  which 
compose  this  Body,  to  make  a  liberal  contribution  for  their 
relief;  and  forward  the  money  they  collect  to  Elders  Wer- 
den,  Leland,  and  Smith,  (the  committee  appointed  at  our 
last,  to  receive  the  same  and  appropriate  it  to  the  use  above 
mentioned,)  by  the  first  of  September  next;  and  if  more 
should  be  collected  than  is  necessary  for  their  relief,  said 
committee  will  return  the  overplus  to  the  churches,  in  pro- 
portion as  they  shall  severally  contribute." 

The  proposition  of  the  Philadelphia  Association,  enter- 
tained last  year,  respecting  a  General  Conference  of  the 
Baptist  churches,  once  in  a  year  or  two,  was  answered  as 
follows  : — "That  at  present  Ave  have  not  sufficient  light  on 
the  subject,  to  see  the  utility  of  such  a  combination ;  there- 
fore voted  not  to  engage  therein  till  we  have  further  light 
thereon." 

The  confusion  that  had  existed  respecting  the  identity  of 
the  Vermont  Association  for  several  years,  was  settled  in 
the  minutes  of  this  association  by  the  following  action  of  the 
Body,  as  recorded  in  Item  13,  of  business. 


80  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [I8OI 

"Our  committee  appointed  at  our  last  session,  to  visit  the 
brethren  at  Vermont,  made  report  ; — and  after  examining 
the  same,  and  collecting  all  the  light  we  could  obtain  on  the 
subject ;  Voted,  to  consider  the  number  who  have  adopted 
the  New  Constitution,  as  the  Vermont  Association,  and  ap- 
point Brethren  A.  Harpending,  James  Slye  and  I.  Mattison, 
to  visit  them  at  their  next  session."  Extended  the  corres- 
pondence of  the  body,  by  sending  Elders  Lee  and  Covell  to 
form  an  acquaintance  with  the  Brethren  of  the  War\Tjick 
association,  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson  River 
on  the  borders  of  New  Jersey. 

The  following  may  be  worthy  of  record,  as  a  specimen  of 
the  straight-forward  action  of  those  times  in  a  matter  of  trial 
respecting  an  unsound  church,  in  practice.  "In  answer  to 
the  remarks  in  the  Letter  from  the  first  church  in  Hartford, 
we  think,  in  ordinary  cases,  when  the  Association  receives 
official  information  through  the  medium  of  a  council  of  min- 
isters and  brethren  in  our  Fellowship,  that  a  church  in  our 
union  has  so  departed  from  the  rules  of  the  Gospel,  either 
in  faith  or  practice,  that  they  have  lost  the  fellowship  of  the 
churches  composing  said  council,  they  ought  to  drop  said 
church  out  of  their  fellowship  without  further  ceremony"; 
yet  we  conceive  there  may  be  cases  in  which  prudence 
would  dictate  to  make  some  further  enquiry,  before  the  mat- 
ter is  decided.  And  we  further  think  that  in  the  case  stated 
in  said  letter  respecting  the  second  church  in  Greenfield; 
although  we  did  not  intentionally  violate  the  above  rule,  yet 
through  some  inadvertence,  we  went  too  far  in  the  business, 
after  we  had  such  information  as  is  stated  above,  respecting 
their  coiTuptiou  ;  especially,  in  suffering  them,  at  our  last 
session,  to  contest  the  matter  before  the  public,  after  they 
had  been  censured,  not  only  by  a  council  of  their  own  choos- 
ing, but  also  by  the  committee  we  sent  to  enquire  into  the 
matter.  Upon  reflection,  we  think  such  a  step  was  wrong; 
and  as  such,  we  hereby  retract  it." 

But  this  year's  session  was  distinguished  more,  than  for 
any  one  thing  else,  by  the  development  of  a  missionary  spir- 
it, that  glowed  with  a  zeal  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel 
among  the  new  settlements  of  the  '•'■far  west,"  which  then' 
was  to  be  found  in  western  New  York,  Upper  Canada  and 
Ohio.     And  a  feeling  of  concern  for  the  red  men  of  the  for- 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD     TEN     YEARS.  81 

est  was  cherished  among  the  fathers  of  this  association  ;  as 
the  record  of  this  year  and  the  successful  efforts  of  future 
years  testify.  Not  only  were  Elders  Samuel  Rogers,  then 
«f  Iloosick,  and  Joseph  Craw,  of  Galway,  commended  in 
the  minutes  of  this  year  to  the  favorable  regard  "of  all  good 
people  wherever  they  might  be  disposed  to  travel,  to  bear 
the  glad  tidings  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  as  ministers  in  good 
report  "  at  home  ;  but  a  consultation  was  held,  during  this 
session  in  regard  to  some  systematic  plan  of  sustaining  the 
labors  of  such  ministers,  as  might  be  inclined  to  travel  and 
preach  in  the  then  wilderness  of  the  rising  West.  Elder 
Lemuel  Covell  seems  to  have  been  the  leader  in  this 
work,  as  well  as  an  active  pioneer  for  a  number  of  years,  in 
carrying  out  the  plan  that  was  matured  for  the  guidance  of 
the  body  in  this  matter.  The  minutes  of  1801,  have  the 
following  item  on  the  7th  page,  that  proved  the  germ  of 
Home  Missionary  effort  in  our  denomination  from  this  'part 
of  the  country,  if  not  the  earliest  systematic  efforts  made  by 
any  association  in  the  land.     The  said  item  is  as  follows  : 

"12.  A  proposition  was  made  by  Brother  Covell,  for  rais- 
ing a  fund,  by  contribution,  for  the  purpose  of  sending  mis- 
sionaries to  preach  the  Gospel  in  distant  parts  of  our  fron- 
tier settlements,  and,  as  far  as  we  may  have  opportunity^ 
among  the  natives  of  the  wilderness.  After  deliberating 
largely  thei'eon,  the  Association  unanimously  voted.,  to  re- 
commend it  to  the  churches  to  take  it  into  mature  consider- 
ation ;  and  those  who  are  disposed  to  adopt  so  benevolent  a 
plan,  to  signify  it  in  their  letters  at  our  next  session  ;  and 
likewise,  to  make  a  liberal  contribution,  and  send  it  forward 
at  the  same  time,  to  begin  saX^fund;  to  be  entrusted  in  the 
hands  of  such  Committee  or  Trustees  as  the  Association  shall 
appoint  to  receive  the  same,  and  appropriate  it  to  the  above 
use,  as  they  shall  from  time  to  time,  think  proper;  and  to 
contribute  annually  for  the  support  of  the  same,  till  the 
churches  so  contributing  shall  judge  they  have  sufficient 
cause  to  discontinue  such  contribution." 

The  circular  Letter  this  year  was  from  the  graphic  pen 
of  Elder  Elias  Lee  of  Ballston  Spa,  and  the  corresponding 
on  Christian  Friendship,  from  Elder  Covell's  pen.  Each 
was  good  of  its  kind ;  and  we  feel  disposed  to  extract  a  por- 
tion from  that  of  Elder  Lee  on  "  The  Bible  above  tradition" 


82  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATIOX.  [1801 

a  subject  on  which  he  was  doubtless  prompted  to  write, 
from  a  controversy  he  had  then  recently  held  in  his  place, 
with  a  Mr.  Rogers,  an  Episcopalian,  in  which  the  value  of 
the  Bible  was  fully  proved,  and  the  weakness  of  relying  on 
human  tradition,  evinced.  What  wonder  then,  if  the  Eld- 
er should  come  from  the  field  of  conflict  with  such  a  circu- 
lar as  the  following  extracts  present. 

"The  Elders  and  3[essengers,  composing  the  Shaftshury  Association^ 
convened  at  Galway,  June  Zd  andAth,  1801,  to  the  several  churches 
whom  they  represent,  send  Greeting. 

"  Dear  Brethren, — 

When  we  address  you  from  oui-  public  conventions,  we  tliink  it  al- 
ways most  beneficial  to  present  you  with  something  immedin,tely 
adapted  to  the  times  and  seasons,  and  to  the  circumstances  of  things, 
both  in  the  world,  and  in  the  Zion  cf  God.  Time  has  been,  when  re- 
ligious bigotry  and  superstition,  supported  by  civil  tyranny,  extended 
their  gloomy  reign  over  the  greatest  part  of  the  Christian  world  ;  and, 
by  their  various  artifices  and  impositions,  had  buried  the  light  of  rea- 
son and  revelation,  in  almost  impenetrable  shades  of  darkness.  Men 
were,  therefore,  in  those  times,  either  subjected  by  fear,  or  ignorantly 
attached  to  the  nefarious  schemes  of  designing  Priests  and  Politicians, 
BO  that  little  or  no  trial  of  real  principle  could  be  discovered 
amongst  them. 

"  But  now  the  scene  is  changed,  and  gives  the~ fairest  opportunity, 
especially  in  our  country,  of  discovering  and  trying  eveiy  man's  prin- 
ciples, of  what  sort  they  are.  But  it  is  yet  to  be  feared,  that  very 
few  in  comparison  with  the  whole,  have  any  just  notions  of  half  the 
things  they  undertake  to  support  and  maintain,  either  in  a  civil,  or  re- 
ligious capacity.  Many  people,  unable  to  support  their  former  no- 
tions of  rehgion,  \yith  any  color  of  reason  ;  and  more  than'^half  con- 
vinced of  their  being  erroneous,  and  yet  ashamed  of  publicly  abjur- 
ing them,  are  seeking  an  asylum  under  the  mask  of  indifference  to 
any  form  of  religion  whatever  ; — pretending,  that' all  tlie  religious 
persuasions  among  us,  are  viewed  in  the  same  light  by  the  Divine 
Being: — a.nd  that  sinceiity,  in  a?i?/ profession,  is  the  certain  criterion 
of  truth  and  acceptance  with  him.  And  indeed,  this  opinion  is  rapid- 
ly prevailing  in  the  world,  even  among  professors  of  the  christian 
religion,  under  the  specious  character  oi  Philanthropy  and  Universal 
Good  Will.     But  nothing  can  be  more  injurious  to  religion  or  dotri- 


CHAP.   HI.]  THIRD    TEN     YEARS.  [So 

mental  to  society.  For,  ho'W'ever  plausible  it  may  appear,  at  first 
view,  the  following  absurdities,  with  many  others,  will  necessarily 
and  unavoidably  result. 

"  1.  That  human  hiveniions,  in  matters  of  religion,  are  as  accepta- 
ble to  God  as  his  oicn  institutions. 

"  2.  That  a  true  regard  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  esteems  the  laws,  or- 
ders, institutions  and  works  of  7nen,  equal  to  his ;  and  makes  the  same 
conscience  of  submitting  to  the  authority  of  inen,  in  mattei"s  of  reli- 
gion, as  it  does  to  the  authority  of  God. 

"  3.  This  opinion  would  oblige  us  to  suppose,  that  to  be  more  at- 
tached to  one  religious  denomination  than  to  another,  imder  a 
conviction  of  its  being  nearer  the  truth,  is  downright  bigotry  and 
superstition. 

'■  4.  All  examination,  investigation,  free  enquiry,  ttc  are  necessarily 
excluded  by  it. 

"  5.  This  opinion  considei-s  all  reformation,  in  matters  of  religion,  as 
the  fruit  of  folly  and  enthusiasm. 

"  6.  It  woiild  oblige  us  to  believe  that  all  complaint  that  has  been 
or  could  be  made,  (either  by  God  or  man)  of  false  teachers,  hypocriti 
cal  professors,  or  impostors, — of  any  kind  of  innovations  and  corrup- 
tions of  religion,  has  no  foundation  at  all ;  and  that  all  the  threaten- 
ings  of  God  against  such  characters  and  things,  are  highly  absurd,  and 
contrary  to  reason. 

"  7.  People  who  support  this  opinion  do  most  wretchciUy  expose 
their  ignorance  and  inattention  to  the  natui'e  of  things,  as  well  a3 
themselves  to  the  intrigues  and  designs  of  impostors  of  every  kind. 
These  are  they  of  whom  the  Pi'ophet  speaks,  who  put  darkness  for 
light,  and  light  for  darkness  ; — or,  rather  that  make  a  virtue  of  uniting 
both  under  one  character,  and  reprobate  every  attempt  to  distinguish' 
or  separate  them.  Such  may  easily  be  persuaded  to  believe  a  lie  as 
the  truth: — to  suck  in  a  deadly  poison,  as  a  nourisliing  cordial. 

"  8.  Such  people  do  evidently  prove  themselves  to  be  destitute  o  f 
si\\j)Tinciple, — and  therefore  cannot,  with  safety,  be  trusted  by  any 
society  whatever.  They  would,  in  general,  as  soon  be  of  one  as  an- 
other;— and  if  at  any  time,  they  discover  a  preference,  it  is  on  ac- 
count of  some  worldly  honor  or  emolument,  and  not  of  real  truth  • 
You  may  find  them  engaged  on  one  side  to-day,  and  peradventure,  on 
the  opposite  io-xaorrow. — and  then  on  no  side; — and  yet  again,  on 
all  sides  at  once.  And  thus  their  want  of  knowledge,  truth  and  in- 
tegrity, renders  them  wholly  useless  to  any  cause  whatever. 


84  SHAPTSBUKY   ASSOClATiON.  £l80l 

"  Finally,  Dear  Brethren,  you  may  hereby  see  what  we,  who  pro- 
fess ourselves  Baptists,  ought  to  be,  according  to  our  profession ; 
and  perhaps  tliis  would  be  a  good  consideration  for  all  Christian  pro* 
fessors.  If  we  believe  our  religion  is  from  God,  we  must  also,  of  ne- 
cessity, believe  we  have  the  whole  platform  of  it,  in  his  Word. 
Whatever,  therefore,  we  believe  the  meaning  of  liis  word  to  be,  we 
must  fix  down  upon  it,  and  abide  by  it,  to  the  very  last.  In  this  eascj 
we  should  e?i(^M re  hardness,  as  good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  not 
give  over  the  contest,  though  we  have  to  wrestle  against  flesh  and 
blood ;  against  principalities  and  poivers  ;  against  the  rulers  of  the 
darkness  of  this  world,  and  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places.  What~ 
ever  others  may  do,  we  must  not  make  it  a  matter  of  indifference 
whether  we  obey  God  or  not, — nor  whether  we  obey  God  rather  than 
man.  Attention  to  the  word  of  truth,  and  obedience  to  the  Divine 
Law,  give  the  only  genuine  evidence  of  our  being  the  true  people  of 
God.  If  we  love  him,  we  shall  keep  his  commandments,  rather  than 
the  commandments  of  men.  We  ought,  therefore,  to  be  a  people  given 
to  enquiry, — to  seek  after  knowledge  and  understanding,  that  we  may 
know  huw  to  distinguish  the  institutions  of  God  fiom  the  traditions  of 
raao.  And,  indeed,  no  people  in  the  world,  have  so  great  an  advan- 
tage in  that  respect,  as  we.  Our  constitution  carries  in  it,  the  soul  of 
liberty  and  free  examination,  and  is  calculated  to  open  all  the  ave- 
nues of  reason  and  revelation,  and  pour  forth  the  eternal  truths  of 
Heaven,  in  a  blaze  of  light  and  glori/  upon  a  dark  and  benighted  world. 

"  But  oh  !  what  reason  have  we  to  lament,  that  we  have  so  excel- 
5.ent  au  instrument  in  our  hand,  and  so  fair  an  opportunity  of  using 
it,  and  yet  suffer  it  to  lie  neglected,  as  a  thing  of  little  consequence, 
and  very  little  understood.  And,  above  all,  that  some  who  profess  to 
be  of  our  denomination,  should  set  an  example  of  indifference  to- 
wards the  great  ordinances  of  the  Gospel,  by  admitting  to  their  com- 
raunion,  persons  whom  they  themselves  do  not  allow  have  been  bap- 
tized in  such  a  manner  as  would  satisfy  their  own  consciences,  in  re- 
spect to  the  true  meaning  of  the  gospel  in  that  case.  Such  people 
must  virtually  make  it  a  point  of  indifference,  whether  they  abide  by 
their  own  conscientious  opinions  of  truth,  or  admit  the  opinions  and 
practices  of  others,  though  quite  different.  And  we  cannot  discover 
why  any  denomination  of  people,  who  adopt  this  opinion,  might  not, 
■with  equal  propriety,  adopt  all  the  religious  opinions  and  practices  in 
the  world,  without  distinction.     But  we  ought  to  remember,  that  a 


CHAP,  in.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  85 

hou^e  divided  against  itself,  camtot  stand.     We  are  youi-s,  Dear 
Brethren  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

"  What  is  the  Bible  ?   is  it  good  for  aught  3 

Is  it  a  real  number  or  a  nought  ? 

Is  it  a  man  of  couiisel,  and  a  guide  ? 

Or  must  it  be  by  every  fancy  tried  ? 

Is  it  a  mine,  where  richest  treasure's  found  ? 

Or  like  a  shore,  where  pebble  stones  abound  f 

A  stable  piUar,  girt  with  golden  bands  ? 

Or,  like  an  empty  bag,  which  never  stands  ? 

If  God  and  Baal  be  one,  we'll  woi-ship  both ; 

If  two,  then  we  must  stand  to  one  by  oath. 

So  then,  we'll  shove  old  Baalim  from  the  throne. 

That  we  may  truly  worship  God  alone." 
"  Leitoel  Covell,  Clerk.  Caleb  Blood,  Moderator^ 

"With  such  a  circular,  to  the  churches,  did  the  Association 
fortify  the  minds  of  the  Brethren  against  the  plausible  sen- 
tinient  that  "  it  matters  not  what  we  hold  to  and  practice,  if 
we  are  only  sincere,  and  have  love  to  all."  We  have  given  a 
large  portion  of  the  thoughts  of  this  document,  without  many 
of  their  illustrations.  And  do  we  not  need,  in  this  day  of 
activity,  to  think  over,  and  inwardly  digest  the  salutary 
thoughts  so  quaintly  addressed  to  the  disciples  of  a  former 
generation  ? 

1802. 

The  Twenty-second  session  was  held  at  Pittstown,  with 
Elder  Covell's  people.  The  opening  discourse  was  deliver- 
ed by  Elder  Elias  Lee,  from  1  John  3  :  8, — "  For  this  cause 
was  the  son  of  God  manifested,  that  he  might  destroy  the 
works  of  the  Devil."  Elder  Joseph  Craav  was  ModercUor, 
and  Elder  L.  Covell,  (7/er^  again.  The  returns  of  all  the 
churches,  gave  the  following  totals  :  of  churches,  43;  min- 
isters, 34  ;  (8  of  them  absent,  this  session)  added,  221  ;  dis- 
missed, 120;  excluded,  56;  died,  43  ;  total,  4,220.  The 
churches  most  highly  favored  during  the  year,  were  the 
Cambridge,  1 1  added  ;  2  Canaan,  20  ;  the  Clifton  Park,  9  ; 
Chester,  56, — a  large  accession;  1  Greenfield,  14  ;  2  Hills- 
dale, 11  ;  Maylield,  Elder  H.  Gorton,  11;  Partridgefield,  9  ; 
1  Pittstown,  96;  Providence,  Elder  J.  Finch,  23  ;  1  Sara- 

5 


86  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1802 

toga,  Elder  J.  Craw,  22  ;  2  Saratoga,  Elder  E.  Langwor- 
thy,  12  ;  Elder  Hull's  church,  32  ,  and  Williamstown,  Elder 
Dyer  Stark,  7.  Others  received  a  few  scattering  drops  of 
refreshing,  but  the  shoivers  of  grace  were  not  many,  among 
the  churches,  nor  large.  The  largest  church  in  the  body  at 
this  time  was  Elder  Blood's,  4th  Shaftsbiiry,  which  number- 
ed 356  ;  Elder  J.  Leeland's,  3d  Cheshire,  was  next,  353  ; 
Elder  Hull's  next,  338  ;  and  Elder  Amasa  Brown's,  324. 
Of  otlier  churches,  Elder  Fox's,  at  Chester,  Warren  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  had  168;  Elder  Jesse  Hartwcll's,  Sandisfield,  158  ;  El- 
der J.  Finch's,  Providence,  150;  2nd  Galway,  Elder  John 
Munro's,  126  ;  Pownal,  Elder  Caleb  Nichols,  125  ;  1st  Hills- 
dale, 122  ;  Great  Barrington,  Elder  J.  Gray's,  121.  These 
were  all  that  exceeded  100  members  ;  and  of  the  rest,  seven 
only  exceeded  75 ;  fifteen  numbered  from  60  to  75  ;  and 
nine  had  less  than  50  members.  There  were  present  26 
ordained  ministers  belonging  to  the  body,  and  some  40  other 
delegates  ;  and  about  5  or  6  ministers  from  other  bodies ; 
making  a  total  of  nearly  75  of  God's  servants  met  in  solemn 
council,  to  devise  ways  and  means  of  spreading  the  gospel 
in  the  world.  The  missionary  fund  received  about  twenty 
dollars,  as  an  earnest  of  the  spirit  of  benevolence  that  so 
well  sustained  it  in  after  years,  among  the  churches  of  this 
body. 

Elder  Edward  Barber,  of  Greenwich,  preached  on  Thurs- 
day morning  from  Acts  26 :  25,  "  But  he  said,  lam  notmad 
most  noblo  Festus  ;  but  speak  forth  the  words  of  truth  and 
soberness." 

The  trials  of  the  Partridgefield  church  still  continued,  and 
the  association  referred  them  to  Di'S.  Stillman  and  Baldwin, 
for  advice,  whether  they  had  better  prosecute  their  claims 
for  redress  at  the  law,  any  further,  against  their  persecutors  ; 
and  if  they  so  advised,  further  help  would  be  rendered  by 
the  association.  In  regard  to  their  case,  it  may  be  stated 
"that  the  trial  at  the  Supreme  Court  had  gone  against  them, 
for  want  of  being  stated  right ;  and  hence  the  Partridgefield 
brethren  asked  for  advice  and  help. 

The  most  important  transaction  of  this  session,  however, 
respected  the  cause  of  Domestic  or  Home  Missions.  For 
the  proposition  submitted  last  year  to  the  churches,  had 
been  very  well  received  generally,  and  some  of  the  churchca 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  87 

among  which  were  the  Clifton  Park,  Chester,  \st  Green- 
field, \st  Pittstown,  Sandisfield  and  %id  Saratoga,  had  sent 
forward  monies  for  missionary  purposes.  The  importance 
they  attached  to  this  subject  appears  from  the  fact  that  they 
gave  up  the  usual  circular  letter,  for  the  publication  in  their 
minutes,  of  the  following  Plan,  prepared  by  Elders  Blood, 
Hull,  Warren,  Barnes  and  Covell,  for  the  regulation  of  their 
missionary  efforts.  This  Board  of  Missions,  with  little 
change  of  plan,  continued  for  near  thirty  years,  the  fiscal 
agent  ef  the  body,  to  employ  and  pay  for  services  rendered 
in  missionary  labor.  The  circular,  or  plan,  we  give  in  full 
in  this  place  : 

"  The  Elders  and  Brethren,  met  in  Association  at  Pittstown,  June 
2d  and  Zd,  1802.     To  the  churches  ichich  they  represent,  send  Greeting: 

"  Beloved  Beethren, 

In  our  last  years  minutes,  we  recommended  to  you  a  proposition 
for  raising  money  by  annual  contribution,  for  the  support  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  destitute  parts  of  the  wilderness;  and  whereas,  some  of  the 
churches  have  manifested  their  approbation,  and  sent  forward  their 
liberality,  while  others  seem  in  suspense,  and  call  for  further  informa- 
tion as  to  the  desirjn  of  such  contribution,  and  the  rules  by  which  it 
is  to  be  conducted ;  we  therefore,  think  it  our  duty,  at  this  time,  to 
give  you  a  particular  statement  of  the  design  of  said  contribution,  and 
the  rules  by  which  the  application  of  it,  is  to  be  regulated.    And, 

1st.  The  deMgn  of  the  proposition  is  to  place  things  in  such  a  situa- 
tion as  to  enable  the  Association  to  send  able  and  faithful  ministers 
to  preach  the  gospel,  and  endeavor  to  build  up  the  visible  cause  of 
the  Redeemer  in  such  parts  of  the  United  States,  or  the  Canadas,  as 
are  destitute  of  gospel  privileges  ;  and,  as  far  as  they  can  have  ac- 
cess, among  the  natives  of  the  wilderness. 

2d.  The  design  is  to  prevent,  as  far  as  possible,  the  prevalence  of 
imposture  in  those  parts  of  the  world ;  and  for  the  better  accom. 
plishing  of  these  purposes,  the  business  is  to  be  regulated  by  the  fol- 
lowing 

PLAN". 

'■  I.  A  committee  of  Twelve  Brethren,  six  ministers  and  six  other 
Brethren,  shall  be  annually  chosen,  so  long  as  the  Association,  shall 


88  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1802* 

judge  it  expedient,  to  send  out  missionaries ;  ■which  committee  ehall 
have  a  chairman,  clerk  and  treasurer  of  their  number,  who  shall  bo 
chosen  at  their  first  meeting  after  their  election.  A  majority  of  said 
committee  shall  be  a  quorum  to  transact  business. 

"  II.  The  duty  of  the  committee  shall  be  as  follows  : 

"  I.  To  take  charge  of  the  contributions  made  by  the  churches  for 
the  assistance  of  the  missionaries. 

"  2.  They  shall  faithfully  examine  all  candidates  for  the  mission, 
and  recommend  such,  and  only  such,  as  they  judge  to  be  pious,  able, 
judicious  and  experienced  ministers  of  the  gospel. 

"  3.  When  the  committee  rocomraend  a  missionary,  they  shall  de- 
termine the  time  of  his  mission ;  and  the  places  where  the  duties 
thereof  shall  be  performed ;  which  shall  be  in  such  new  settlements 
of  the  United  States,  or  the  Canadas,  where  the  inhabitants  are  des- 
titute of  a  preached  gospel,  and  cannot  obtain  it.  And  the  missiona- 
ries shall  keep  a  fair  account  of  their  expenses  during  their  mission, 
and  make  due  returns  to  the  committee  of  the  same,  together  with  a 
journal  of  their  travels.  And  if  more  money  has  been  furnished  to 
them,  than  they  have  found  necessity  for,  they  shall  return  the  same 
to  the  Treasurer  of  the  committee ;  but  if  the  sum  advanced,  has  not 
been  sufficient  to  defray  their  necessary  expenses,  such  deficiency 
shall  be  made  up  to  them,  if  the  state  of  the  fund  will  admit  of  it. 

"  4.  The  committee  shall  furnish  each  missionary  with  such  sum, 
out  of  the  Treasury,  as  they  shall  judge  sufficient  to  bear  his  expen- 
ses during  his  mission,  and  no  more  ;  unless  the  special  circumstances 
of  the  missionary  require  some  extra  consideration  ;  in  which  case 
they  shall  have  a  right  to  act  discretionary. 

"  5.  The  Treasurer  shall  keep  a  particular  account  of  all  the  sums 
contributed,  and  of  all  monies  disbursed ;  and  the  clerk  shall  keep 
fair  records  of  the  proceedings  of  the  committee,  both  of  which  shall 
be  annually  exhibited  to  the  association,  and  published  in  their  min- 
utes for  the  satisfaction  of  the  churclies. 

"  6.  The  committee  shall  have  no  fee  nor  reward  for  their  services. 

"  7.  This  association  shall  have  a  right  to  alter  any  of  these  arti- 
cles, or  make  sucJi  new  ones,  at  any  of  their  annual  meetings,  as 
time,  and  experience  shall  point  out,  to  be  for  the  better.  And  any 
church,  disposed  to  contribute,  shall  have  a  right  to  discontinue  their 
contributions  at  any  time  when  they  think  proper,  upon  giving  their 
reasons  for  so  doing. 

"  Thus,   Dear  Brethren,  we  have  laid  before  you,  our  design,  and 


■CHAP.  III.]  THIRD    TEN    YEARS.  89 

the  rules  we  mean  to  observe  in  prosecuting  the  same  ;  and  we  must 
use  the  freedom  to  beseech  you,  with  united  hearts  and  hands,  to  step 
forward  in  support  of  the  glorious  kingdom  of  the  blessed  Immanuel. 
We  beseech  you,  brethren,  'Ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  your  sakes  he  became  poor, 
that  ye,  through  his  poverty,  might  be  rich.'  Oh  !  let  it  never  be  said 
that  those  who  have  been  made  partakers  of  the  infinite  benevolence 
of  the  dear  Redeemer,  should  have  so  little  regard  for  him,  as  to 
grudge  to  part  with  a  little  of  their  property  in  the  sapport  of  his 
cause.  Oh,  criminal  covetousness  1  may  the  Lord  deliver  us  from  it  1 
"  Finally,  let  us  all  unite  our  efforts,  both  at  home  and  abroad , 
with  our  gifts  and  property,  to  propogate  the  truth  and  build  up  the 
visible  cause  of  religion  in  a  sinning  world.  And  may  the  great  au- 
thor of  all  true  benevolence  so  instruct  and  influence  our  hearts,  that 
we  may  be  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  His  cause.  And  may 
His  Holy  Spirit  crown  our  feeble  efforts  with  abundant  success,  to 
the  praise  and  glory  of  his  grace,  through  Jesus  Cheist  o?<r  Loed." 

In  accordance  with  the  first  article  of  the  above  plan, 
"Elders  Abijah  Peck,  'Caleb  Blood,  Isaac  Wehb,  Justus 
Hull,  Joseph  Craw,  and  Lemuel  Covell ;  and  Deacons  Wm. 
Stillwell,  John  Rouse,  Joshua  Mattison,  Isaac  Brewster, 
Stephen  Carpenter,  and  James  Green,  were  chosen  a  com- 
mittee for  the  purposes  therein  mentioned." 

This  committee  "  appointed  a  meeting  at  Brother  Faring 
Wilson's,  in  "West  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  the  day  before  the 
next  meeting  of  the  association,  at  1  o'clock  P.  M.,  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  the  returns  of  missionaries,  the  accounts 
of  the  clerk  and  treasurer,  the  contributions  of  the  churches 
and  individuals,  and  of  making  out  their  report  to  the  asso- 
ciation." 

The  corresponding  letter  for  1802,  was  from  the  pen  of 
Elder  Jeduthan  Gray.  From  such  a  meeting,  the  Elders 
and  brethren  returned  home  to  the  labors  of  another  year, 
in  the  vineyard  of  the  Loi'd. 

1803. 

The  Twenty  Third  session  was  held  at  West  StocTcbridge, 
Mass.,  as  usual  on  the  jirst  Wednesday  and  Thursday  of 
June,  1803.  At  10  oclock,  A.  M.  Elder  Caleb  Blood 
according  to  appointment,  preached  the  inti'oductory  sermon 


90  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1803 

from  Rom.  3 :  2G.  ''To  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time,  his 
righteousness  ;  that  lie  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of 
him  Avho  believeth  in  Jesus."  Elder  J,  Hull,  served 
as  Moderator,  and  L.  Covell,  as  clerk.  There  were  44 
churches,  33  ministers,  285  added,  91  dismissed,  45  exclu- 
ded, 34  died,  and  a  total  membership,  reported  this  year,  of 
4,301.  Four  or  five  churches  had  been  favored  with  show- 
ers of  grace,  and  a  goodly  accession  of  souls  to  their  fellow- 
ship. The  2nd  Canaan  church  had  received  22  ;  Cambridge, 
9;  Chesterfield,  9;  Clifton  Park,  35 ;  1  Hartford,  57; 
(making  them  374  in  all)  ;  Mayfield,  22  ;  1  Milton  12  ; 
Partridgefield,  7  ;  1  Saratoga,  8  ;  Savoy,  62,  though  their 
beloved  Pastor,  Elder  N.  Haskins,  had  deceased  ;  and  the 
church  under  Elder  Hull's  care,  had  received  21.  The  mis- 
sionary spirit  seems  to  have  been  increased  among  the 
Brethren,  for  the  suraof  S78,94,  is  reported  from  about  12 
of  the  churches  ;  the  largest  sum,  $20,20  from  Elder  A. 
Peck's  church  at  Clifton  Park.  During  the  year,  Eldei' 
Blood  had  performed  a  missionary  tour  of  ten  weeks,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  Committee  of  the  Association.  He 
traversed  the  region  from  the  Cayuga  Lake,  to  the  head  of 
Lake  Ontario,  receiving  about  $30,00  and  expending  only 
S22,34  ;  though  the  remainder  was  voted  him  as  a  remune- 
ration for  his  services.  His  observations  upon  the  field  he 
explored,  encouraged  the  brethren,  both  of  the  Executive 
Committee  and  of  the  association,  to  increased  efforts  in  be- 
half of  those  destitute  regions.  And  during  this  session 
Elders,  Lemuel  Covell  and  Obed  Warren,  were  commis- 
sioned to  go  on  a  similar  tour  of  exploration  and  labor, 
among  the  destitute,  which  resulted  in  much  good.  Elder 
Warren  was  at  this  time  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Salem,  N.  Y.,  and  various  brethren  engaged  to  supply  in 
part,  the  destitution  of  the  churches  at  Pittstown  and  Salem, 
while  their  pastoi's  were  gone  forth  to  this  noble  work.  This 
had  been  the  chief  recompense  for  such  toil,  beside  the  ex- 
penses of  their  journey  at  the  first,  but  in  virtue  of  a  discre- 
tion vested  in  the  committee,  by  a  vote  of  the  association,  at 
this  session  a  recompense  might  be  made  for  such  services ; 
and  Elders  Warren  and  Covell  received  for  3  or  4  months 
labor  in  the  fall  of  1803,  as  pioneei's,  the  sum  oi  Fifty  Dol- 
lars each.  They  traveled  and  preached  as  they  went,  through 


CHAP.   III.]  THIKD  TEN    YEARS.  91 

central  and  western  New  York,  to  Buffalo  vilJage,  as  it  was 
then  called  ;  and  crossing  over  into  Canada,  they  spent  three 
weeks  in  preaching  and  visiting  among  the  people  through 
a  section  of  country  GO  or  80  miles  to  Long  Point,  where 
they  Baptized  thirty,  and  organized  a  church,  cj^lled  in  the 
minutes  of  this  association  the  Charlotteville.  Besides  this 
labor,  they  visited  the  Indians  at  Tuscarora,  and  Elder  Co- 
vell  made  them  a  talk,  and  received  one  in  return,  to  the 
Shaftsbury  Association  ;  and  returned  home,  as  his  publish- 
ed narrative  states,  "after  an  absence  of  129  days,  in  which 
time  I  had  traveled  more  than  1600  miles  ;  preached  125 
sermons,  and  Baptised  21  persons  ;  besides  visiting,  holding 
several  conferences  with  the  Indian,  and  many  with  the 
white  people  in  different  places,  attending  one  ordination, 
and  several  councils  on  other  occasions."  Thus  did  the//wes 
of  gospel  influence  go  out  from  the  Shaftsbury  association 
toward  the  setting  sun,  through  the  labors  of  such  men  as 
Blood,  Covell,  Warren,  Craw,  Gorton  and  Jonathan  Finch. 

The  question  came  up  again  this  year,  concerning  a  divis- 
ion of  the  association,  and  was  referred  to  the  churches,  to 
give  their  opinion  respecting  it,  at  the  next  session.  A  query 
was  propounded  from  the  Partridgefield  church,  as  follows: 
"Is  it  agreeable  to  the  Gospel,  for  a  church  of  Christ  to  pe- 
tition the  civil poioer  to  incorporate  them  into  a  religious 
society  ?"'  To  which  the  following  answer  is  recorded. 
^^ Answer :  "We  view  it  derogatory  to  the  dignity  of  Zion's 
King,  and  undervaluing  his  ample  code  of  laws,  for  chxnstian 
churches  to  apply  to  civil  authority,  to  be  incorporated  as 
bodies  politic,  for  the  purpose  of  regulating  their  ecclesiasti- 
cal concerns,  ©r  forcing  their  members  to  support  their 
preachers ;  or  even  for  the  sake  of  getting  exemption  from 
religious  oppression  ;  believing  religion  (in  all  its  branches) 
to  be  no  object  of  civil  government,  nor  any  wise  under  its 
control.  It  may,  nevertheless,  be  proper,  in  some  of  the 
states,  for  churches  to  avail  themselves  of  the  act  of  incor- 
poration for  the  sole  purpose  of  holding  social  property." 

Tlie  Stephentown  and  Petersburgh  church  presented  the 
following  query  :  "Whether  a  church,  to  stand  in  Gospel 
order  requires  a  fund  ?  If  not,  are  Deacons  necessary  ?  If 
so,  is  it  right  for  a  Deacon  to  exercise  his  office,  before  he  is 
ordained  ?    And  if  so,  what   is  his   duty  ?"     Appointed  a 


92  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1803 

committee  of  Elders,  Blood,  Webb,  and  Covell,  and  Deacons, 
Whelpley,  Rouse,  Coomer,  and  Brother  Jacob  Ford,  to 
write  on  the  subject,  and  report  at  next  session." 

The  subject  of  speculative  Free-Masonry,  it  will  be  re- 
membered, had  been  agitated  in  this  Body  in  1798,  and  a 
vote  was  passed,  entreating  brethren  to  desist  from  all  con- 
nexion with  that  fraternity,  for  the  peace  of  the  churches. 
But  in  1802,  the  church  in  Providence,  called  attention  to 
it,  by  offering  the  following  query  to  the  association,  viz: 
"Is  honor  done  to  the  public  cause  of  religion,  where  an  as- 
sociation has  published  advice,  in  their  minutes,  to  the 
churches,  not  to  allow  their  members  to  associate  with  Free 
Mason  Lodges,  and  have  declared  against  it ;  and  yet  give 
fellowship  to  Brethren  of  other  associations,  who  do  the 
same,  and  call  on  them  to  take  a  seat  in  the  association  ? 
Voted  to  refer  the  question  to  a  committee  to  prepare  an  an- 
swer, and  report  at  our  next  session.  Elders  Blood,  Gray, 
Warren,  and  Brother  Hezekiah  IMason,  (of  3d  Cheshire 
church),  were  appointed  a  committee  for  that  purpose." 

To  this  general  subject,  the  following  response  came  in 
1804.     Minutes,  page  8,  June  14. 

''The  committee  appointed  at  our  last  session  to  report  on 
the  query  from  the  church  of  Providence,  presented  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  unanimously  accepted,  viz  :  In 
answer  to  the  query  from  the  church  at  Providence  at  our 
last  session ; — We  think  it  proper  to  insert  in  our  Minutes, 
that  there  are  numbers  of  our  brethren,  and  some  of  our 
churches,  who  cannot  walk  in  fellowship  with  those  Breth- 
ren, who  join  with,  and  frequent  the  Masonic  society,  when 
they  know  it  is  a  grief  to  their  Brethren  ;  and  that  some 
have  joined  with  that  society,  to  the  grief  of  others,  which 
has  been,  and  still  is,  the  cause  of  much  difficulty  in  many 
of  our  churches,  and  has  repeatedly  occasioned  trouble  in 
this  association.  This  has  given  rise  to  the  remarks  pub- 
lished in  the  14th  section  of  our  minutes  for  1798,  on  that 
subject. 

"In  order  to  prevent  any  further  ditTiculty  of  that  nature, 
we  wish  now  to  be  faji'ly  and  fully  understood  ; — That,  as 
to  the  propriety  or  imjjiopriety  of  Free  Masonry,  we  do 
not,  as  an  Association,  undertake  to  determine.  Yet,  we 
freely  say,  that  inasmuch  as  our  brethren  do  not  pretend  they 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  93 

are  bound  in  conscience,  by  any  rule  in  the  word  of  God,  to 
unite  with  that  fraternity  ;  for  them  to  form  a  connection 
v,'ith  them,  or  frequent  their  Lodges,  xohen  they  know  it  is  a 
grief  to  their  Christian  Brethren,  and  malies  disturbance  in 
the  churches  ;  it  (in  our  opinion)  gives  sufficient  reason  for 
others  to  conclude  they  are  not  such  as  follow  after  the 
things  that  make  for  peace,  and  things  whereby  one  may 
edify  another  ;  (Rom.  14  :  19,)  but  rather,  are  such  as  cause 
divisions  and  contentions,  contrary  to  the  doctrine  we  have 
learned,  (Rom.  14:  17,)  and,  of  course  if  they  continue  ob- 
stinately in  such  practices,  ought  to  be  rejected  from  fellow- 
ship ;  and,  consequently,  it  is  not  reasonable  for  us  to  invite 
them  to  a  seat  in  our  association.  We  therefore,  answer 
the  query  from  the  church  at  Providence,  in  the  negative. 

"Yet  w^e  do  not  wish,  at  present,  to  have  this  resolution 
so  construed,  as  to  interrupt  our  correspondence  with  sister 
associations,  but  to  have  it  continued. 

"If  there  be  any  Brethren,  in  any  of  our  churches,  or  sis- 
ter associations,  who  live  in  the  practice  ot  frequenting  the 
Masonic  Lodges,  we  flatter  ourselves,  that  such  churches 
and  associations,  after  hearing  our  minds  on  the  subject, 
will  not  feel  disposed  to  grieve  Brethren  among  us,  by  send- 
ing such  of  their  members,  as  Delegates  to  this  association." 

The  circular  letttr  was  by  a  committee  of  five.  Elders, 
Blood,  Hull,  Leland,  Parsons,  and  Covell,  on  "Christian 
Condescension."  The  corresponding  letter  is  from  Elder 
Leland's  pen  and  mind ;  full  of  quaint  sayings,  antitheses, 
and  arguments,  such  as  he  was  wont  to  produce.  But  we 
cannot  find  room  for  an  extract  from  either,  though  the 
whole  of  each  might  be  worthy  of  these  pages. 

''Since  our  last  meeting,"  says  the  corresponding  letter, 
"one  of  our  ministerial  brethren.  Elder  Nathan  Haskins, 
of  Savoy,  has  departed  this  life.  Help,  Lord !  for  the 
godly  man  ceaseth.  "We  hope,  however,  that  our  loss  is  his 
gain."  He  had  been  about  12  years  in  the  Body,  and  all 
the  while  from  the  same  church. 

1804. 

The  Twenty  Fourth  session  was  held  as  appointed  with 
Elder  Abiiah  Peck's  church  in  Clifton  Park,  the  first  time 

5* 


94 SHAFTSBTTRY  ASSOCIATION.  [1804 

it  Lad  ever  sat  there.  Elder  Covell  preached  the  introduc- 
tory discourse  from  Prov.  24:  30-34  ;  "I  went  by  the  iield 
of  the  slothful,  and  by  the  vineyard  of  the  man  void  of  un- 
derstanding, and  lo,  it  was  all  grown  over  with  thorns,  and 
nettles  had  covered  the  face  thereof,  and  the  stone  wall 
thereof,  was  broken  down,  Then  I  saw  and  considered  it 
well ;  I  looked  upon  it,  and  received  instruction ;  &c." 
Elder  Blood  served  as  Moderator,  and  Elder  Covell,  as 
Clerk.  Three  churches  were  added  this  session,  the  First 
Troy  and  LansinghurgJi,  N.  Y.,  and  Charlotteville  church, 
in  Upper  Canada,  a  fruit  of  missionary  labor.  The  whole 
number  of  churches  was  48;  ministers,  36  ;  of  whom  29 
were  present,  and  among  them,  for  the  first  time  as  a  min- 
ister, the  name  of  our  aged  father  in  the  gospel  still  living, 
Elder  Isaiah  Mattison,  is  found.  The  number  added  was 
314  ;  dismissed,  15G  ;  excluded,  62  ;  died,  36  ;  and  a  total 
of  4,433.  The  report  of  the  labors  of  Elders  Covell  and 
Warren's  tour  into  the  western  part  of  New  York  and  Can- 
ada, was  interesting,  and  the  talk  to  and  from  the  Indians, 
was  an  addition  of  interest  to  the  meetings  of  the  year.  Elder 
Hezekiah  Gorton,  of  Mayfield  (now  Broadalbin,)  church, 
was  appointed  a  missionary  on  the  route  of  Elders  Warren 
and  Covell.  More  direct  elforts  for  the  collection  of  money 
for  missionary  purposes,  by  subscription  papers  among  the 
churches,  were  recommended,  and  the  enterprise  of  the 
churches  in  this  good  work  was  enhanced  by  the  favoral)le 
reports  of  their  missionaries.  The  receipts  of  the  year  now 
ended  were  $91,03. 

The  question  of  a  division  of  the  association  came  up 
again,  and  after  mutual  consultation,  the  following  resolve 
was  passed.  "Considering  the  local  situation  of  our  churches, 
the  distance  that  many  must  travel  to  attend  our  meet- 
ings, the  vast  expense  attending  the  meeting  of  so  great  a 
number  in  one  place, — and  that  a  mnjority  of  the  churches 
have  expressed  a  wish  to  have  it  divided,  therefore,  if  any 
number  of  the  churches  are  disposed  to  form  an  association 
by  themselves  in  the  course  of  the  present  year,  and  give 
notice  thereof  at  our  next  meeting,  they  will  have  our  fel- 
lowship in  so  doing." 

Whereupon,  a  number  of  delegates  present,  Hooted,  to 
publish  in  our  minutes  that  a  convention  will  be  held  at  the 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  95 

meeting  house  of  the  first  church  in  Milton,  Saratoga  cc, 
for  the  purpose  of  conferring  on  the  formation  of  an  associ- 
ation on  the  west  side  of  tiie  Hudson  River,  on  the  second 
Wednesday  in  August,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M." 

This  convention  was  held,  and  adjourned  to  Galway  m 
January,  1805,  when  a  new  body  was  formed  called  the 
"  Saratoga  Baptist  Association,"  which  held  its  first 
regular  session  at  Union  Village,  "Washington  co.  with  El- 
der Barber's  church  in  June,  at  which  14  churches  were 
represented,  with  9  ministers  and  a  total  of  1,432  members. 
All  the  churches  west  of  the  Hudson  river,  (except  the  Clif- 
ton Park  church)  united  with  the  new  association,  and  the 
IBottskill  and  1  and  2  Hartford  churches,  "Washington  co., 
also.  This  body  has  continued  to  flourish  till  the  present 
time,  and  is  a  very  efficient  auxiliary  to  the  spread  of  the 
Gospel  in  the  world. 

The  circular  for  this  year  was  prepared  by  Elder  Blood, 
on  the  office  of  Deacons,  and  we  think  it  worthy  of  insertion 
entire. 

CIRCULAR  LETTER. 
Dear  Brethren, 

"  The  query  from  the  Church  in  Stephentown  and  Petersburgh,  rela- 
tive to  the  office  and  work  of  the  Deacons,  was,  at  our  last  session,  re- 
fen-ed  to  a  committee ;  but  the  query  involves  too  many  things  to  be 
left  intelligible  in  a  short  answer,  in  common  form.  We,  therefore, 
agree  with  the  committee  to  make  that  the  subject  of  our  Circular 
Address  to  you,  the  present  year. 

"  The  query  is  as  follows,  viz :  Whether  a  Church,  to  stand  in  gospel 
order,  requires  a  fund  ?  If  not,  are  deacons  necessary  ?  If  so,  is  it 
right  for  a  Deacon  to  exercise  his  office  before  he  is  ordained  ?  If  so, 
what  is  his  duty  ? 

"  We  can  think  of  no  better  method  for  the  solution  of  this,  and  all 
other  queries  of  a  similar  nature,  than  an  impartial  search  for  the 
examples  and  precepts  of  our  Saviour  and  apostles.  As  to  a  fund's 
being  necessary  for  the  visible  order  of  a  Church  of  Christ,  we  may 
notice,  that  when  Christ  was  on  earth,  he  and  bis  twelve  apostles  had 
a  bag,  or  purse,  in  which  they  deposited  something,  as  a  precaution 
for  those  necessary  expenses  that  might  arise,  either  for  them- 
selves, or  for  the  relief  of  the  poor.  Though  this  may  not  prove  the 
necessity  of  every  Church's  having  a  fund;  yet  as  in  all  Churches 


96  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1804 

some  expenses  must  arise,  this  may  be  considered  a  worthy  example 
for  us  to  take  suitable  precaution,  so  far  as  to  be  prepared  to  meet 
Buch  expenses. 

The  next  thing  we  may  notice,  is  the  Church  at  Jerusalem,  Acts 
iv.  84,  who  being  persecuted  to  that  degree  that  they  could  not  en- 
joy their  professions  as  usual,  sold  them,  and  laid  the  money  down 
at  the  apostle's  feet,  in  one  common  flock ;  and  equal  distribution 
was  to  be  made,  as  each  one  had  need.  This  however,  does  not  ap- 
pear to  have  been  the  practice  of  any  other  Church,  neither  do  we 
find  any  direction  given  for  the  continuance  of  such  a  practice  in  the 
Christian  Church.  Yet  this  circumstance  may  teach  us  some  im- 
portant lessons.  Ist.  That  the  genius  and  spirit  of  the  gospel  dictate 
that  kind  of  friendship  and  fellowship  which  make  those  which  pos- 
sess them,  willing  freely  to  dedicate  their  all  to  God  ;  to  be  disposed 
of  for  the  promotion  of  his  cause,  according  as  he  hath  directed  in  his 
word.  2d.  Those  who  profess  the  Christian  religion,  while  they  make 
a  reserve  of  their  worldly  property,  are  not  honest  in  their  profes' 
sioas,  but  are  too  much  like  Ananias  and  Sapphira,  who  kept  back 
part  of  the  price.  3d.  That  those  who  possess  Christianity  are  wil 
ling  to  be  partners  both  in  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  life. 

We  next  learn  from  the  apostles,  particularly  from  1  Cor.  xvi,  and 
2  Cor.  ix,  that  the  Churches  were  directed  to  make  suitable  coUec  - 
tions,  that  they  might  be  ready  to  answer  those  necessary  expendi- 
tures. From  the  whole,  we  learn,  that  a  church  in  gospel  order  has 
dedicated  their  whole  interest  to  God,  and  so  much  of  it  as  gospel 
rule  requires  for  the  promotion  of  that  cause,  they  freely  devote  to 
that  use.  It  cannot  be  thought,  either  from  scripture  or  reason,  that 
a  Church  can  long  maintain  the  visible  order  of  the  gospel,  without 
some  pecuniary  expenses,  for  the  conveniency  of  worship,  the  uten- 
sils, and  elements  for  the  Lord's  table,  the  relief  of  the  poor,  the 
support  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  the  sjjread  of  the  gospel  in  desti- 
tute parts  of  the  earth.  For  your  further  satisfaction  in  these  things, 
turn  to  1  Cor.  ix.  and  xiv.  chapters,  and  2  Cor.  ix.  Fhil.  iv.  1  Tim. 
ii.4. 

But  the  question  before  us  is,  as  expenses  must  arise,  in  what 
manner  must  she  proceed  in  order  to  defray  them,  or  is  a  fund  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  that  purpose  ?  Answer — If  by  a  fund  is  meant 
the  depositing  a  sum  of  money  in  stock,  distinct  from  their  interest  in 
conomon,  the  income  of  which  stock  shall  be  sufficient  to  meet  the 
exigencies  of  the  church,  wc  find  no  such  rule  in  the  scriptures.     Yet 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  97 

■we  think  that  ia  some  sense,  a  fund  maybe  necessary  ;  for,  according 
to  the  scriptures  before  cited,  we  have  both  precej^t  and  example  for 
taking  a  suitable  precaution,  so  far  at  least  as  to  be  prepared  to  meet 
those  unforeseen  expenses  ■wliich  often  arise.  We  therefore  think, 
that  were  churches  to  travel  in  gospel  order,  they  would  be  so  liberal, 
either  at  their  stated  contributions  on  communion  seasons,  and  other 
times,  or  (which  we  think  would  be  more  according  to  the  nature  of 
gospel  rule)  fur  the  Chm"ch,  from  year  to  year,  to  determine  how 
much  is  necessary  to  meet  such  expense,  so  as  constantly  to  have 
enough  in  the  treasury  to  answer  the  above  purpose.  In  this  sense 
only  do  we  mean  to  be  understood  in  our  answer,  that  a  fund  ia 
necessary. 

There  is  scarce  any  precept  in  all  the  scriptures  more  explicit  than 
that  each  member  shall  bear  their  equal  proportion  of  all  the  neces- 
sary expenditures  of  the  Church.  We  therefore  think  that  a  Church 
may  not  be  said  to  walk  in  gospel  order,  unless  they  proceed  iu  such 
a  manner  in  this  business,  as  to  be  able  every  year  to  know  whether 
each  member  does  their  duty  in  this  respect,  or  not ;  so  that  one  may 
not  be  eased,  and  another  burdened. 

As  to  the  ofEce  of  Deacons,  we  think  they  are  of  absolute  neces. 
sity,  without  Avhich  a  church  cannot  be  said  to  be  completely  organ- 
ized according  to  the  gospel.  It  will  be  acknowledged,  that  some  of 
the  most  essential  parts  of  the  visible  order  of  a  gospel  Church  stand 
connected  with  a  punctual  and  regular  ccmpliauce  with  those  duties 
that  relate  to  her  necessary  expenses.  It  mustllierefore  be  thought 
reasonable  that  some  be  appointed  over  this  business. 

It  was  a  wise  conclusion  of  the  apostles,  that  it  was  not  meet  that 
they  should  leave  the  word  of  God  and  serve  tables,  and  it  was 
equally  so  for  the  preachers  of  the  gospel  at  this  day.  The  apostles, 
therefore,  directed  (he  Church  to  look  out  men  of  honest  report,  full 
of  the  graces  of  the  holy  Spiiit,  to  be  appointed  over  this  business, 
and  them  they  set  apart  by  the  laying  on  of  hands.  These  officers 
are  called  Deacons  in  Phil.  i.  i .  and  in  1  Tim.  3d  chap.  It  appears 
to  us  that  Bishops,  or  teaching  Elders  and  Deacons,  are  the  only 
standing  officers  to  be  ordained  in  the  Church.  These  are  both  called 
Elders,  1  Tim  v.  17.  Let  the  Elders  that  rule  well  he  counted  worthy 
of  double  honor  ;  especially  they  who  labor  in  word  and  doctrine.  By 
this  we  learn,  that  there  were  some  Elders  whose  special  office-work 
was  not  to  labor  in  word  and  doctrine.  Paul  directed  Titus  to  ordain 
Elders  in  every  city  ;  and  it  is  said  of  Paul  and  Barnabas,  Acts  xiv 


98  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1804 

23,  that  theij  ordained  them  Elders  in  every  church  :  and  when  they 
had  j^trayed  with  fasting,  they  commended  them  to  the  Lord,  on  whom 
they  believed.  By  these  Elders,  we  understand  Bishops  and  Deacons ; 
and  we  have  not  learned  from  the  scriptures,  but  that  these  two  are 
the  only  officers  to  be  ordained  in  the  Christian  Church.  One  princi- 
pal reason  why  we  thus  think,  is,  that  the  apostle,  1  Tiin.  in.  hath  par- 
ticularly delineated  the  characters  suitable  both  for  Bishops  and  Dea- 
cons ;  but  we  cannot  find  either  the  character  or  work  of  any  other 
officers  described  in  the  New  Testament.  To  attempt,  therefore,  the 
ordination  of  any  other,  we  see  nothing  at  present  but  that  we  should 
act  without  any  scripture  rule,  either  to  know  the  character  suitable 
for  the  office,  or  the  work  to  set  him  about,  which  we  think  would  be 
both  uDscriptural  and  dangerous.  But  we  cannot  think,  that  if  the 
offices  both  of  Bishops  and  Deacons  were  not  to  be  continued  in  the 
Church,  that  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  the  apostle,  would  have  been  so  par- 
ticular in  describing  both  their  character  and  their  work.  As  to  the 
duty  and  work  of  Deacons,  they  are  to  take  the  oversight  or  charge 
of  the  Church,  in  all  matters  that  relate  to  her  necessary  expenses  ;  to 
call  the  attention,  and  lead  the  Church  forward  in  all  matters  of  this 
nature  ;  to  watch  over  the  members,  and  see  that  the  engagements  of 
the  Church  are  punctually  fulfilled ;  to  exhort  and  admonish  delin- 
quent members  to  their  duty  in  these  matters.  Some  have  thought 
that  the  office  of  Deaconi  particularly  respected  the  poor ;  this,  in- 
deed, is  one  part  of  their  work;  but  every  other  branch  of  the  public 
expenditures  of  the  church  come  equally  under  the  cognizance  of  their 
office.  "When  this  office  was  first  appointed  in  the  Church  at  Jeru.^a- 
lem,  the  interest  of  the  whole  was  in  one  common  stock,  and  therefore 
one  could  not  be  said  to  be  poorer  than  another.  The  truth  is,  the 
work  to  which  these  oflicers  were  appointed,  was  to  serve  tables ;  not 
only  the  table  of  the  poor,  but  to  see  that  equal  distribution  was  made 
to  each  one,  as  their  stations  and  circumstances  require,  according  to 
the  rules  of  the  gospel.  In  a  word,  the  Deacons  are  trustees  of  the 
Church,  and  are  to  take  care  of  her  prudential  concerns  in  those  mat- 
ters ;  not  only  to  see  that  her  public  expenditures  are  punctually 
attended  to,  but  as  far  as  possible  to  prevent  unnecessary  expense. 
The  Deacons  also  are  to  provide  for  the  Lord's  table,  and  may  assist 
in  the  distribution  of  the  elements.  As  to  the  Deacon's  right  to  exer- 
cise himself  in  the  office  before  he  is  ordained,  we  think  that  the  sense 
of  the  apostle,  in  1  Tim.  iii.  10,    And  let  these  also  first   be  provtd, 


CHAP.  III.]  THIKD  TEN  YEAKS.  99 

then  let  them  use  the  office  of  a  Deacon,  being  found  blameless,  is  not 
that  he  should  exercise  in  the  office,  in  order  for  tbe  proof  of  his  quali- 
cation,  but  that  the  church,  by  examination,  should  endeavor  to  gain 
sufficient  proof,  that  he  may  in  a  good  measure  answer  the  character 
given,  and  that  it  is  the  mind  of  God  that  he  should  be  set  apart  to  that 
office,  then  let  him  be  ordained  before  he  attempts  the  work. 

"  On  the  whole,  to  conclude,  Brethren,  we  think  that  the  office  of 
Deacon  is  essential  to  the  proper  organization  and  true  visibility  of  a 
Church.  We  wish  you  to  examine  the  scriptures  for  yourselves,  and 
strive  to  be  found  walking  according  to  the  due  order  of  the  gospel 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  While  we  openly  reject  the  aid  of  civil 
power  to  enforce  the  observance  of  our  duty  in  these  things,  let  us  be 
careful  to  avoid  that  extreme  which  may  lead  us  off  from  those  pre- 
cepts of  the  gospel,  which  require  a  punctual  observance  of  those  du- 
ties which  relate  to  the  necessary  expenditures  of  the  Churches.  It  ii 
said  by  those  who  plead  for  the  aid  of  civil  power  in  these  things,  that 
without  it  the  \isibility  of  religion  cannot  be  supported;  and  that 
men  will  not  do  their  equal  proportion  freely  without  having  recourse 
to  civil  law.  But  were  we,  beloved,  closely  to  observe  the  order  of 
the  gospel  in  these  matters,  our  practice  would  soon  convince  the 
world  that  all  such  arguing  is  vain. 

"  That  the  Lord  would  enable    ua  all  to  walk  in  the  order  of  the 
gospel,  that  others  may  see  the  light,  and  glorify  om-  Father  which 
is  in  heaven,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  your  Brethi'en  in  Gospel  bonds. 
"  JS".  B. — Dear  Buetheen  !     We  wish  to  have  it  ever  remembered, 
that  this  Association  disclaims  all  pretensions  to  any  jurisdiction  over 
the    Churches  that  compose  it ;  so  that  no  resolution  of  the  Associa- 
tion, as  such,  ought  to   be  considered  obligatory  on  them — but  only 
advisory,  or  opinionative :     And   we  think  questions,  or  disputable 
"loints,  are  too  often   introduced  into  our  meetings,   which  occasion 
auch  trouble,  and  tend  to  scatter,  rather  than  unite  or  convince.    And 
,Te  desire  to  add,  that  we  do  not  mean  to  consider  the  ideas  expressed 
n  the  foregoing  Letter  as  a  test  of  our  fellowship — although  we  think 
a  reformation  is  necessary  in  ihe  practice  of  many  (if  not  all)  of  our 
Churches,  in  those  respects. 

"  Lemuel  Covell,  Clerk.  Caleb  Blood,  Moderator." 

The  Corresponding  Letter  was  by  Elder  Hull. 
"  P.  S.    Since  our  last  anniversary  meeting,  two  of  our  Brethren  in 
the  Ministry,  have  departed  this  life,  to  wit.  Elder  Caleb  Nichols  of 


100  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1805 

Powoal,  after  a  long,  laborious,  aad  (tlirough  grace)  successful  course 
of  services  iu  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord :  and  Elder  Joun  Muneo,  of 
Galway,  in  the  prime  of  life,  usefulness,  and  the  esteem  of  his 
Brethren.  We  sensibly  feel,  and  regret  the  loss  we  sustain  by  their 
absence :  But, 

"  Why  should  we  mourn  departing  friends, 

Or  shake  at  death's  alarms  ? 
^Tis  hut  the  voice  that  Jesus  sends, 
To  call  them  to  his  arms." 

1805. 

The  Twenty-Fifth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Hoosick  Falls, 
with  the  Mapletown  church,  as  then  called,  under  the  pas- 
toral care  of  Elder  David  Rathbun,  on  the  5th  and  6th  days 
of  June.  Elder  Elias  Lee,  of  Ballston  Spa.,  preached 
the  introductory  from  1  Pet.  1  :  6,  "  Who  are  kept  by  the 
power  of  God,  through  faith  unto  salvation,  ready  to  be  re- 
vealed in  the  last  time."  Elder  Blood  served  as  Modera- 
tor, and  Elder  Covell,  as  Clerk.  The  statistics  show  4S 
churches  ;  30  ministers  ;  229  added  ;  90  dismissed  ;  40  ex- 
cluded ;  25  died,  and  a  total  of  4,573  members,  counting 
the  membership  of  the  two  churches  below,  as  given  the  year 
before.  The  churches  in  the  Saratoga  body  were  repre- 
sented this  year,  most  of  them,  though  the  number  of  mem- 
bers is  not  given  in  the  Ballstoa  Spa,  and  1st  Hartford 
churches.  The  missionary  collections  reported  this  year, 
amounted  to  $1  67,91  from  all  the  churches,  a  large  increase 
upon  former  years.  A  number  of  churches  were  favored 
with  refreshinj^  showers  during  the  year,  as  follows  :  Broad- 
albin,  Elder  Gorton,  had  received  27  ;  Cambridge,  Elder 
James  Glass,  28;  Clifton  Park,  14;  Charlotteville,  U.  C, 
11;  Milton  church,  Elder  Jonathan  Nichols,  20;  4di 
Shaftsbury,  17  ;  and  Ti'oy  34,  making  their  total  number  at 
that  date,  75. 

The  following  associations  were  embraced  in  their  cor- 
respondence this  year  :  The  Philadelphia,  New  York,  War- 
ren, Danhury.  Stonington,  Leydcn,  Otsego,  Woodstock,  Eens- 
selaennlle,  Vci'mont,  and  Cayuga.  The  Essex,  a  new  body, 
lately  organized  on  the  west  side  of  Lake  Champlain,  was 
also  recognized  this  year.     The  following  churches,  13  in 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  101 

number,  were  dismissed  at  their  request  to  the  Saratoga 
Association,  viz  :  Amsterdam,  1st  Galway,  1st  Greenfield, 
Hadley,  1st  Hartford,  2nd  Hartford,  Kingsborough,  Broad- 
albin,  Milton,  Ballston  Spa,  Northumberland,  Providence, 
and  2nd  Saratoga.  The  following  resolution  will  show  the 
kind  feeling  of  the  association  towards  the  nevv  body  at  its 
formation,  '"'■Resolved,  That  the  names  of  the  above  men- 
tioned churches  be  left  out  of  our  minutes  in  future ;  and 
that  our  brethren,  Glass,  Olmstead  and  Comstock,  visit  them 
at  their  meeting,  at  Bottskill,  on  the  3d  Wednesday  of  Au- 
gust next,  in  order  to  open  a  correspondence  with  the  said 
association."  Thus  cordially  did  the  Shaftsbury  send  away 
the  Saratoga,  as  a  mother  would  her  oldest  daughter,  with 
her  blessing  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

The  missionary  work  had  been  prospered  during  the  year, 
through  the  labors  of  Elder  Gorton,  who  spent  tJiree  months 
on  a  tour  through  the  western  country,  as  far  as  Long  Point, 
or  Charlotteville,  in  Upper  Canada,  and  who  reported  as 
follows : 

"  That  he  found  the  people  in  general  much  engaged  to 
hear  preaching ;  that  in  some  places  in  the  province  of 
Upper  Canada,  they  were  so  anxious  to  hear  the  gospel,  that 
they  would  encounter  ditRculties  almost  insurmountable,  and 
dangers  indescribable,  to  get  to  meetings  for  preaching  ;  and 
that  there  appeared  a  general  solicitude  to  have  us  send 
them  assistance  by  missionaries  ;  that  he  found  the  church 
at  Charlotteville  in  trials,  but  left  them  in  more  comfortable 
circumstances  ;  that  there  was  some  revival  of  religion  in 
that  place,  and  seven  persons  baptised  while  he  was  there ; 
that  he  also  presented  a  written  request  from  the  church 
and  society  in  that  place,  and  another  from  a  number  of  in- 
habitants in  other  parts  of  the  province,  earnestly  request- 
ing us  to  send  missionaries  to  visit  them  as  often  as  possible  ; 
and  above  all,  to  settle  a  permanent  missionary  in  that  coun- 
try, manifesting  at  the  same  time  their  willingness  to  do  all 
in  their  power  to  help  him  with  such  things  as  they  have  to 
bestow  for  the  comfort  of  his  family.  That  he  had  also 
visited  the  Tuscarora  Indians ;  was  cordially  received  by 
them,  and  found  things  favorable  and  encouraging  among 
them  ;  and  that  they  had  sent  a  talk  in  writing  to  the  associ- 
ation, expressing  their  thanks  to   God  and  us,  for  sending 


102  SHAFTSBTJRY  ASSOCIATION,  [1805 

missionaries  to  visit  them,   and  their  earnest  desire  to  be 
further  instructed  in  the  gospel." 

This  report  of  Elder  Gorton's  tour  was  the  occasion  of 
great  joy  to  tlie  whole  body ;  especially  what  was  told  them 
of  the  hopeful  pio-pects  among  the  poor  savages  of  the  wil- 
derness ;  and  the  following  resolutions  were  put  on  record  : 

^^  Resolved  unanimousJi/,  That  this  association  do  cordially 
approve  of  the  doings  of  our  committee,  and  the  labors  of 
our  brother  Gorton,  as  reported ;  and  that  we  will  make  all 
such  further  exertions  a^  lie  in  our  power  to  send  missiona- 
ries into  those  parts,  and  others,  destitute  of  preaching. 
And  ihQve^ove,  Re  solved  unaniinovshj,  that  the  same  commit- 
tee, viz  :  Elders  Peck^  Blood,  Webb,  Hull,  Craw  and  Co- 
vell ;  brethren  J.  Rouse,  Nathaniel  Uphara,  Daniel  Rogers, 
Isaiah  Ilendrix,  Salmon  Child  and  Francis  Choat,  be  our 
committee  to  carry  the  same  into  efTect. 

"  Resolved,  That  suitable  answers  be  prepared  by  brother 
Webb,  in  the  name  of  the  association,  to  all  the  papers  allu- 
ded to,  in  the  report  of  our  committee ;  and  that  whoever  is 
sent  out  the  present  year,  as  missionary,  be  the  bearer  of 
the  same."  This  lot  fell  upon  Elder  Covell,  as  the  records 
of  another  year  will  testify. 

Elder  Clark  Kendrick,  a  visiting  bi'other  from  Poultney, 
Vt.,  preached  on  Thursday  morn'ing  fi-om  Titus,  2 :  13, 
"Looking  for  that  Blessed  Hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing 
of  the  great  God,  and  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ." 

The  circular  and  corresponding  Letter,  in  one,  by  Elder 
Lee,  was  accepted  and  printed  ;  on  ^'correspondence."  And 
a  committee  of  three,  Elders  Blood,  Hall,  and  Webb,  was 
appointed  to  revise  tlie  constitution,  and  report  at  the  next 
meeting,  The  following  expression  of  sympathy  with  the 
afflicted  family  of  a  minister,  is  worthy  of  notice.  May  it 
provoke  others  to  the  same  love  and  good  works,  under 
similar  calls  for  help.  "Tlds  association,  having  received 
the  atiecting  intelligence  tliat  the  house,  provisions,  and  most 
of  the  goods,  of  our  Beloved  brother  in  the  Ministry,  Elder 
William  Tliroop,  of  Kingsborough,  have  recently  been  con- 
sumed by  tire,  leaving  him,  and  a  family  o? small  children, 
in  very  distressing  circumstances;  do  recommend  it  to  all 
such  of  our  brethren,  whom  God  has  blessed  with  a  supply 
of  this  world's  goods,  to  impart  something  for  his  relief  and 


CHAP,  in.]         THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  103 

assistance  ;  those,  on  this  side  of  the  Novtli  River  can  send 
their  liberality  to  the  care  of  Elder  Webb,  at  Troy,  or 
brother  F.  Cheat,  at  Lansingburgh ; — from  -whence  there 
will  be  a  safe  conveyance  to  him," 

A  table  of  the  contributions  for  missionary  purposes,  in 
the  minutes  of  this  year,  shows  that  most  of  the  churches 
partook  of  the  spii'it  of  Christian  Beneficence,  that  had  been 
fanned  into  a  Hame,  by  the  success  of  the  Gospel  in  the  des- 
titute west.  The  larger  contributions  were,  from  Clifton 
Park,  S25,00  ;  Lansingburgh,  $13,00  ;  Broadalbin,  S.10,00  ; 
2  Canaan,  S10,00  ;  1  Phtstown,  $10,00;  4  Shaftsbury, 
$9,96;  Chatham,  $7,43;  1  Hartford,  $8,25  ;  1  Sandisfield, 
$6,00  ;  Pownal,  $5,67  ;  and  various  smaller  sums  from  14 
other  of  the  churches,  and  some  individual  subscriptions,  that 
indicated  a  growing  spirit  of  missions  in  the  body. 

1806. 

The  Twenty-sixth  anniversary  was  held  with  the  Baptist 
church  in  Troy,  N,  Y,,  on  the  4th  and  5th  days  of  June. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  by  Elder  Blood,  from  Rev. 
11  :  l-2nd  verses.  This  was  the  first  session  of  any  Bap- 
tist body  in  that  place,  and  as  the  church  was  young  and 
small,  only  12  years  old,  and  numbering  but  76  members, 
it  must  have  been  to  them,  as  a  church,  a  deeply  interest- 
ing occasion.  Elder  I.  Webb,  was  still  pastor  of  the  church, 
as  he  had  been  for  some  years,  and  continued  to  be  till 
1811.  There  was  a  goodly  number  of  the  servants  of  God 
present  from  the  churches  ;  some  16  ministers  and  45  breth- 
ren from  the  churches,  and  about  15  visitory  brethren  from 
corresponding  bodies.  Elder  Stephkn  Gano,  a  visiting 
brother  from  Providence,  R.  L,  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
Elder  Covell,  Clerk,  as  usual.  The  returns  from  the 
churches  showed  a  total  of  33  churches  ;  23  ministers  ;  145 
added;  65  dismissed  ;  30  excluded  ;  28  died  ;  and  3,122 
members  in  fellowship.  And  this,  too,  (he  first  year  after 
the  Saratoga  brethren  had  taken  away  13  churches,  and 
1,300  or  1,400  members.  But  this  process  of  setting  ofi^"  these 
churches,  was  like  transplanting  from  the  crowded  nursery, 
a  part  of  its  trees,  so  the  I'eraainder  might  grow  the  better 
and  bear  the  more  fruit.     The  body  was  still  vu/orous,  well 


104  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1806 

rooted  in  its  soil,  and  had  room  enough  for  its  expansion,  and 
now  renewed  its  age,  after  twenty-five  years  of  usefulness. 
And  so  with  a  maximum  size  of  35  churches  it  continued  to 
increase  in  membership  for  a  dozen  years,  to  3,700  ;  when 
in  1817,  the  formation  of  the  Hudson  River  Body,  bore 
away  some  of  its  churches,  and  again  reduced  its  member- 
ship a  few  hundred.  The  church  in  Townsend,  in  Upper 
Canada,  a  fruit  of  missionary  labor,  was  added  this  session, 
being  composed  of  24  members.  The  churches  most  highly 
favored  with  I'evival  influences,  were,  the  Berlin,  which  re- 
ported an  addition  of  22  ;  Cambridge,  8  ;  Chesterfield,  Mass., 
Elder  Asa  Todd,  32 ;  Charlotteville,  U.  C,  Elder  Titus 
Finch,  17  ;  Clifton  Park,  11  ;  Great  Barrington,  12;  des- 
titute of  a  pastor.  The  missionary  committee  reported  the 
receipt,  during  the  year,  of  S172,41,  of  which  they  had  ex- 
pended for  missionary  labor,  150  dollai'S.  Of  this,  they  had 
paid  Elder  Jonathan  Finch  50  dollars,  for  3  months  labor 
in  the  northern  part  of  Vermont,  and  on  the  western  shores 
of  Lake  Champlain,  in  tke  vicinity  of  Plattsburgh  and  Peru. 
The  other  100  dollars,  had  been  paid  Elder  Covell  for  six 
months  services  on  his  former  route,  through  western  New 
York  and  into  Upper  Canada,  and  among  the  Indians. 
Elder  Covell  brought  back  requests  for  more  missionary 
labor ;  and  also  expressions  of  gratitude  from  both  whites 
and  Indians,  for  what  they  had  already  enjoyed.  The  fol- 
lowing must  have  been  a  scene  of  thrilling  interest.  ''Broth- 
er  Covell  presented  a  written  Talk  from  the  Tuscarora  In- 
dians, expressing  their  thanks  for  the  notice  we  have  taken 
of  their  nation,  in  sending  our  missionaries  and  our  friendly 
talks  to  them  from  time  to  time,  and  requesting  us  to  enter 
into  a  covenant  of  friendship  and  brotherhood  with  them. 
This  talk  was  accompanied  with  three  strings  of  toampum, 
as  a  token  of  their  friendship,  and  as  a  confirmation  on  their 
part,  of  such  a  covenant.  The  interesting  account  brother 
Covell  gave  of  the  state  of  that  nation,  the  contents  of  their 
friendly  letter,  and  the  emphatical  token  of  their  friendship, 
expressed  by  the  strings  of  wampum,  occasioned  tears  of 
joy  and  gratitude,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  strongest  emo- 
tions of  pity,  towards  our  poor  brethren  in  the  desert.  The 
wampum,  was  i)resented  by  Elder  Covell,  in  the  name  of 
the  Tuscarora  Nat i 071  of  Indians,  and  received  by  the  Mod- 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  105 

erator,  Elder  Gano,  in  behalf  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association, 
as  the  confirmation  of  a  lasting  friendship." 

In  answer  to  these  expressions  of  friendly  regard  from  the 
Tiiscarora  Indians,  a  letter  was  prepared  in  reply,  and  or- 
dered by  the  following  action  to  be  sent  them  ;    viz  : 

'■^Resolved,  That  brother  Covell  provide  a  staff,  and  bear 
it,  with  said  letter,  to  the  Tuscaroras,  as  a  token  of  our 
friendship,  and  as  a  confirmation,  on  our  part,  of  the  cove- 
nant of  friendship  and  brotherhood,  confirmed  on  their  part 
by  the  striogs  of  wampum." 

Elder  Gano  preached  in  the  evening  from  Heb.  12  : 1,  2, 
and  Elder  Rathbun,  on  Thursday  morning  from  Col.  3 : 
11.  T\\Q  circular  this  year,  "  On  Union  among  Christians 
in  building  up  the  cause  of  Christ,"  was  from  the  pen  of 
Elder  Webb,  and  the  corresponding  letter  was  from  E  Ider, 
afterwards  Dr.,  Nathaniel  Kendrick's  pen,  who  was  now  in 
his  youthful  ministry  the  pastor  of  the  Lansingburgh  church 
from  1806  to  1810,  a  period  of  five  years. 

The  committee,  to  revise  the  constitution,  reported  a  draft, 
which  was  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  minutes,  with  a  re- 
quest that  the  churches  express  their  views  of  it  at  the  next 
session,  or  suggest  any  alterations  they  think  necessaiy. 
This  constitution  or  plan  of  tho  association  was  adopted  by 
nearly  an  unanimous  vote  ;  only  three  churches  making  ob- 
jections, and  these  not  voting  against  it  on  its  final  adoption. 
This  plan,  or  constitution,  with  two  or  three  slight  amend- 
ments, will  be  found  in  the  annals  of  1828  of  this  work.  A 
vote  of  thanks  is  recorded  in  the  following  words  for  the 
hospitable  manner  in  which  the  body  had  been  entertained, 
viz :  "  Voted  the  thanks  of  this  Association  to  the  Baptist 
church  and  society  in  the  village  of  Troy,  for  the  many  to- 
kens of  hospitality  and  christian  friendship  with  which  we 
have  been  entertained  during  our  present  session  with  them." 

Whereupon  this  very  interesting  anniversary  meeting  was 
closed  with  prayer  by  the  Moderator,  and  the  brethren  sep- 
arated, some,  never  again  to  meet  in  the  assemblies  of  the 
body  here  below. 

N.  B.  Elder  Gano  made  a  donation  of  fifty  dollars  to 
the  funds  of  the  Missionary  Committee,  as  they  very  affec- 
tionately acknowledge  at  the  close  of  their  minutes  for  this 
year.     The  minutes  also  report  the  "death  of  Elder  Clark 


106  SHAFTSBUUY  ASSOCIATION.  [1807 

Rogers,  of  Hancock,  a  beloved  brother  and  fellow-laborer 
in  the  gospel,  who  has  been  called  from  the  field  of  labor  to 
the  royal  palace  of  eternal  rest,"  during  the  year.  The  fol- 
lowing inscription,  copied  from  his  tomb-stone,  will  show  his 
age  and  the  date  of  his  decease  : 

"  In  memory  of  the  Rev.  Clark  Rogers,  xcho  departed 
this  life  Jan.  \Alh,  1806,  in  the  11  th  year  of  his  age." 

1807. 

The  Twenty-Seventh  Anniversary  of  this  body  was  held, 
as  appointed,  on  the  3d  and  4th  days  of  June,  with  the  3d 
church  in  Cheshire,  Mass.  Elder  Covcil's  own  people, 
though  ho  was  not  there  to  greet  his  brethren,  nor,  as  usual, 
serve  in  the  capacity  of  Clerk,  and  aid  the  business  of  the 
occasion,  for  while  fulfilling  the  duties  of  his  appointment  as 
missionary,  during  they"«/^of  the  year  1806,  in  Canada,  he 
had  fallen  upon  the  high  places  of  the  held,  and  his  once  an- 
imating voice  sunk  into  the  silence  of  death.  This  solemn 
event  spread  a  pall  over  the  exercises  of  this  anniversary^, 
and  made  it  a  season  long  to  be  remembered  by  all  that 
were  present. 

The  inti'oductory  was  delivered  by  Elder  Webb,  accord- 
ing to  appointment,  from  1  Tim.  1  :  5,  "  Now  the  end  of 
the  commandment  is  charity,  out  of  a  pure  heart,  &c."  El- 
der Webb  was  Moderator  of  this  session,  and  Elder  N. 
Kendrick,  Clerk,  as  he  continued  to  be  for  the  three  fol- 
lowing years,  till  1810.  The  reports  from  the  churches 
gave  the  following  statistics:  34  churches  ;  23  ministers  ; 
236  added  ;  70  dismissed  ;  22  excluded  ;  22  died ;  and  a  to- 
tal of  3,288  members  in  all  the  churches.  The  churches  in 
Pittsfield,  Mass.,  and  Philipstown,  (afterwards  1st  Nassau,) 
N.  Y.,  were  added  this  year,  l^he  first  name  had  once  be- 
fore been  embraced  in  the  body  from  1785  to  1798,  when  it 
"  was  dropped  at  the  request  of  the  Elder,  V.  Rathbun,  and 
his  deacon,  because  it  was  so  greatly  reduced."  The  church- 
es most  favored  with  revival  influence  this  year,  were  the 
Berlin,  19  added  ;  3d  Cheshire,  10;  Charlotteville,  U.  C, 
11 ;  Clifton  Park,  19  ;  East  Hillsdale,  44;  West  Hillsdale, 
7  ;  Lansingburgh,  9  ;  Mapletovvn,  16  ;  Sandisfield,  27  ;  1st 
Shaftsbury,  19  ;  and  Townsend,  U.  C,  24 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  107 

The  circular  letter,  on  the  '•  Old  Testament  Divinely  In- 
spired," was  by  Elder  D.  Rathbun,  and  the  corresponding 
one  by  Elder  A.  Spencer. 

The  usual  business  was  transacted,  and  the  following  may 
be  worthy  of  permanent  record  :  "  Question  from  the  3d 
church  in  Cheshire,  "  Should  any  member  of  a  church  con- 
sider himself  under  no  particular  obligations  to  attend  the 
appointments  of  the  church,  to  which  he  belongs,  and  when 
called  upon  should  say,  '  He  does  not  know  that  the  church 
has  any  control  over  him,  or  right  to  call  him  to  an  account, 
unless  it  be  for  immoial  conduct,'  What  is  the  duty  of  the 
church  toward  such  a  member  1  Ansiver  ;  We  think  every 
church  of  Christ  is  under  covenant  obligations  not  to  for- 
sake the  assembling  of  themselves  together  ;  and  when  any 
member  refuses  to  attend  the  appointments  of  the  church, 
we  think  he  is  a  covenant-breaker,  and  ought  to  be  dealt  with 
as  such." 

This  association  sent  a  committee  of  three,  Elders  Peck, 
Glass,  and  Mattison,  to  the  Saratoga  brethren,  to  propose  a 
coalition  with  them  in  missionary  labor  :  and  Elder  Kendrick 
for  the  same  purpose  to  the  Vermont  body.  The  trustees 
of  the  "  New  York  Baptist  Missionary  Societj',"  a  local  in- 
stitution, whicb  had  chiefly  sustained  Elder  Elkanah  Holmes 
in  his  labors  among  the  Tuscarora  tribe  of  Indians,  agreed 
to  meet  with  the  missionary  committee  of  this  association,  at 
their  next  session  in  Pownal,  in  June,  1808.  Thus  did  the 
missionary  flame  burn  in  the  hearts  of  these  fathers  of  our 
association,  and  their  co-adjutors,  at  that  early  period.  The 
contributions  reported  at  this  session,  for  the  year  past, 
amounted  to  S139,G7,  with  which  the  services  of  Elder  J. 
Finch  had  been  secured  for  three  months  in  North  Western 
Vermont,  and  North  Eastern  New  York  ;  and  also  the  ser- 
vices of  Elder  Covell,  for  three  months  into  Canada  West, 
as  before.  But,  alas  !  the  committee  were  compelled  to 
make  the  following  record  concerning  the  excellent  Covell's 
tour  ;  "  That  the  report  of  brother. Covell's  mission  through 
the  western  setllements  of  New  York,  on  to  the  Tuscarora 
Nation  of  Indians,  and  into  the  Province  of  Upper  Canada, 
we  shall  not  have  from  himself,  until  we  hear  his  history 
[of  it]  in  heaven.  We  learn,  however,  that  he  was  faithful 
unto  the  death.     The  perishing  state  of  the  people,  and  the 


108  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1806 

cause  of  God,  very  loudly  call  for  our  utmost  exertions  to 
continue  sending  missionaries  into  that  country.  The 
mournful  death  of  our  much  lamented,  and  dearly  beloved 
brother  Covell,  casts  a  sorrowful  gloom  over  our  hearts. 
Low  lies  the  hody  of  our  dear  hrother  Covell.  In  the  cause 
of  God  he  ended  his  career.  His  soul,  we  trust,  has  gone 
home  to  glory,  while  his  body  has  descended  to  the  dust. 
And  shall  the  missionary  spirit  die  with  him  ?  Shall  that 
descend  to  the  grave  too  ?  God  forbid  !  No,  brethren ; 
may  the  mantle  of  Elijah  fall  on  Elisha.  Let  us  exert  our- 
selves in  the  cause  of  God,  and  try  to  promote  the  spread 
of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ  in  a  dying  world."  Thus 
was  he  missed  and  mourned  over  by  his  dear  brethren  in  the 
ministry,  and  among  the  churches.  That  he  should  die 
away  from  his  family  and  home,  among  strangers,  though 
among  christian  friends,  was  sad  indeed.  But  he  fell  nobly 
in  the  field  of  conflict  while  bearing  the  standard  of  the 
cross  onward  into  the  territory  of  the  adversary  ;  and  what 
if  he  was  away  from  his  fond  wife  and  children,  and  loving 
brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord  ?  The  Lord  was  with 
him,  and  "  his  rod  and  his  staff,  they  comforted  him."  "His 
record  is  on  high."  "He  was  a  good  man  and  full  of  the 
Holy  Ghost."  He  died  at  Clinton,  Upper  Canada,  of  typhus 
fever,  after  a  fortnight's  sickness.  Sabbath  morning,  Oct,  19, 
1806,  aged  42  years,  3  months  and  21  days,  having  been 
born  June  28,  1764.  He  was  converted  when  a  young 
man,  in  the  family  of  an  uncle  in  Lower  Canada,  and  not 
long  afterward  professed  the  religion  of  Christ  openly  at 
Galway,  N.  Y.  His  first  attempt  at  preaching  was  tliere 
on  the  2lst  Feb.  1792,  in  the  3d  Baptist  church,  afterwards 
called  1st  Providence.  He  labored  in  this  vicinity  for 
some  years,  and  on  the  11th  of  May,  1796,  was  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  a  work  whose  holy  functions  he 
lived  to  exercise  only  for  some  ten  years.  He  was  Pastor 
of  the  2nd  Providence  church  till  1799,  wlien  he  removed 
to  Pittstown,  N.  Y.,  where  he  labored  some  seven  years, 
and  in  the  month  of  April,  1806,  he  remored  to  Cheshire, 
Mass.,  and  became  Pastor  of  the  8d  church  in  that  town, 
which  had  been  chiefiy  supplied  for  12  years  by  Elder  J. 
Leland.  From  Pittstown  he  went  forth  to  three  or  four  of 
his  missionary  tours  ;   but  from  Cheshire  he  made  his  last 


iiAP.  Hi.  THIRD  TEN  YEAHS.  109 

departure  to  his  loved  work  among  the  destitute.  But  we 
cannot  here  follow  his  history  ;  though  from  the  prominence 
of  his  services  in  the  public  business,  and  especially  the 
missionary  labors  of  this  body,  a  more  than  passing  notice  of 
his  death  and  character  seemed  appropriate.  A  more  fall 
account  of  him  can  be  found  in  his  biography  of  174, 
pages,  prepared  in  1839,  by  his  daughter,  Mrs.  BrowD} 
of  Pownal,  a  book  of  rare  interest  to  a  christian  reader. 

The  following  brief  testimony  to  his  worth  is  borne  by 
Elders  Lawton  and  Peck,  in  their  History  of  the  "  Baptist 
Miss.  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York,"  on  pages  30, 
and  31. 

"  A  few  missionaries  of  the  Mass.  Bap.  Miss.  Society,  al- 
so, and  the  Shaftsbury  association,  had  visited  this  country," 
tliat  is  western  New  Yoik,  "  and  penetrated  as  far  as  Long 
Point,  in  Upper  Canada ;  and  were  cheered  with  knowing 
that  their  labors  were  blessed  of  God,  to  the  edification  of 
saints,  and  the  conversion  of  Sinners.  Among  these  mis- 
sionaries, Elder  Lemuel  Covell,  was  particularly  distin- 
p;uished.  He  was,  indeed  a  flaming  herald  of  the  cross. 
There  are  many  yet  living,  (in  1837)  who  cherish  for 
him  a  most  affectionate  and  gratelul  remembrance.  He 
now  slumbers  in  the  dust  of  Canada,  at  Clinton,  where  he 
was  laboring  successfully  as  a  missionary,  and  whence  his 
Master  suddenly  called  him  from  his  toils  below,  to  his  rest 
above.     He  died,  universally  beloved  and  lamented," 

The  association,  was  called  to  lament  the  death  of  another 
of  their  beloved  ministering  brethren,  in  the  departure  of 
Elder  Elisha.  Barnes  of  2  Canaan. 

He  had  been  a  member  of  the  body  since  1795,  from  the 
same  church  in  Canaan,  among  whom  he  had  several  pleas- 
ing revivals  of  religion,  in  1796,  1801 — 2,  and  1803 
raising  their  membership  from  37  to  96,  the  year  he  died. 
The  minutes  of  the  association  say  of  him;  "He  was  a 
man  of  great  piety  aad  prudence  ;  he  bore  his  lingering  sick- 
ness with  wonderful  patience  and  fortitude,  and  died  in 
the  triumphs  of  faith,  the  last  of  August,  1806, 

"  The  loss  we  feel,but  ne'er  complain  ; 
His  life  was  Christ  ; — his  death  was  gain." 

*  Minute?,  1905.  page  10. 


110  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1808 

One  more  record  of  this  session  ;  and  we  leave  it.  It  is 
said  that  "  the  business  of  the  association  was  followed  by 
two  well  adapted,  and  very  impressive  addresses  by  Brethren 
Werden  and  Blood,  which,  to  Christians  were  like  precious 
ointment  poured  forth  ;  when  the  session  closed  with  prayer 
by  the  moderator."  It  was  fitting  that  the  venerable  Wer- 
den now  among  his  brethren,  for  the  last  time,  as  it  proved, 
and  the  eloquent  and  honored  Blood,  about  to  leave  the 
body  and  go  to"  other  associations  and  finish  his  work, 
after  more  than  twenty  years  fraternal  intercourse :  it  was 
perfectly  fitting  that  each  of  these  beloved  Fathers  in  the 
association,  should  be  indulged  in  a  few  words  of  parting 
counsel.  And  such  had  been  their  whole  course  in  the  body, 
that  their  memoiy  has  ever  been  fragrant  among  its  mem- 
bers and  churches  to  this  day. 

Up  to  this  time,  few  of  the  pastors  and  ministers  of  the 
body  had  been  called  away  from  their  fields  of  labor  to  enjoy 
their  rest  above  ;  and  hence  the  depth  of  that  sensation,  now 
produced,  by  the  demise  of  two  such  men  in  one  year,  as 
Covell  and  Barnes  ;  and  the  farewell  addresses  of  Wer- 
den the  founder  of  the  association  ;  and  Blood,  who  had  so 
often  preached  the  introductory,  and  pi'esided  with  so  much 
dignity  and  acceptance  in  its  anniversary  meetings. 

1808. 

The  Twenty-eighth  session  occurred  on  the  1st  and  2d 
days  of  June,  at  Potoital,  as  appointed  ;  and  the  Introduc- 
tory sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Leland  from  Rev.  2 : 
8 — 11.  Elder  Webb  was  Moderator,  and  N.  Kendrick, 
Clerk.  The  delegation  was  large,  more  than  70  ;  of  these, 
one  third  were  accredited  ministers  of  the  word.  The  Body 
consisted  of  34  churches ;  21  ministers;  and  reported  341 
added,  to  the  churches  ;  51  dismissed;  42  excluded;  35 
died ;  and  3,392  members  in  fellowship.  Two  churches 
were  added  this  session  ;  the  Clinton  church,  U.  Canada, 
another  fruit  of  missionary  effort  ;  and  the  Stamford  in  Vt. 
The  statistics  show  that  considerable  interest  had  been  felt 
among  the  churches,  nearly  all  of  them  having  added  some; 
and  in  a.  few  of  them,  powerful  revivals  had  been  enjoyed, 
increasing  them  30,  50  and   even  80  per  cent,  in   member- 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD    TEN  VEARS.  HI 

ship.  Elder  Hull's  church  reported  19  additions;  Cam- 
bridge, 10  ;  1  Cheshire,  7  ;  Chesterfield,  39  ;  Charlotteville, 
12;  Clifton  Park,  21;  2  Greenfield,  44;  2  Galway,  54 ; 
East  Hillsdale,  11  ;  Pownal,  77,  under  the  labors  of  Polder 
Leland,  who  aided  them  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  It  was 
an  overflowing  blessing,  enlarging  them  to  192. 

The  missionary  collections  this  year  amounted  to  $144,87  ; 
and  about  6  1-2  months  of  labor  had  been  performed  at  a 
cost  of  20  dollars  per  month.  Elder  Finch  had  ranged 
over  his  former  field  and  penetrated  the  province  of  Lower 
Canada  in  a  3  month's  tour,  where  he  found  plenty  of  work 
to  be  done.  Elder  Asahel  Morse  had  spent  3  1-2  months 
in  a  missionary  excursion  as  far  as  Long  Point,  in  Canada 
West,  and  was  welcomed  among  the  people.  There  was  a 
desire  expressed  for  more  preaching,  during  the  sessions  of 
the  Body;  and  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  Wednesday,  Elder 
Pitman  preached  from  Phil.  3 :  7-8.  On  Thursday 
morning,  Elder  Morse  spake  to  a  large  assembly,  in  the 
open  air.  And  when,  at  noon,  the  business  of  the  session 
was  concluded,  Elder  Warren  prayed  ;  and  the  people  still 
waited  to  "  hear  two  discourses  in  the  meeting  house,  by  El- 
ders John  Peck  and  E.  Barber,"  who  so  addressed  them, 
that  the  "Brethren  were  comforted,  thanked  God  and  took 
courage,  they  then  gave  each  other  the  parting  hand,  with 
hopes  that  by  and  by,  they  should  meet  in  the  General  As- 
sembly and  church  of  the  First  Born  in  Heaven." 

It  is  testified  also  in  the  minutes  that  "  seldom  has  this  an- 
niversary been  attended  with  more  evident  tokens  of  the 
Divine  Presence.  Good  order,  dispatch  of  business,  brother- 
ly love,  fervent  prayers  and  pathetic  preaching,  contributed 
much  to  the  pleasure  and  profit  of  the  interview."  The 
Moderator  stirred  up  the  minds  of  the  Brethren  in  regard  to 
the  missionary  cause,  by  some  timely  remarks,  "  which 
seemed  to  interest  the  friends  of  Zion  deeply,  and  to  strei^h- 
en  their  resolutions,  to  afford  it  all  the  aid  in  their  power, 
and  to  use  their  endeavors  to  provoke  every  indolent  brother 
to  this  good  work."  The  circular,  by  Elder  I.  Mattison, 
on  Prayer,  is  an  excellent  document,  worthy  of  insertion  ; 
and  the  corresponding  letter  by  Elder  Hull,  though  ap- 
proved and  ordered  printed,  does  not  appear  in  the  minutes. 


112  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1808 

"  CIRCULAR  LETTER. 

"  The  Ministers  and  Messeyigers  of  the  SnAFTSBuar  Association  to  the 
Churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  Salutation  : 

"  Brethren, 

"  Among  tbe  rich  variety  of  subjects,  both  doctrinal  and  prac- 
tical, -which  have  constituted  the  matter  of  our  annual  addresses  to 
you,  we  do  not  recollect  that  Prayer  has  been  distinctly  named.  If 
no  idea  entirely  new  should  be  started  upon  the  subject,  yet  some- 
thing profitable  may  be  observed,  both  on  the  nature  and  benefit  of 
prayer. 

"  Breath  and  speech  are  not  more  certain  signs  of  life,  than  prayer 
is  an  evidence  of  a  renewed  soul.  It  was  said  of  Paul,  "Behold, he 
prayeth."  The  same  may  be  said  in  every  instance  of  spiritual  life. 
Prayer  is  the  breath  of  the  new  creature — the  language  of  the  heaven - 
born  soul  with  God.  It  is  the  native  expression  of  holy  desires :  and 
where  it  is  wanting,  there  such  desires  have  no  place. 

"  Once  more :  Prayer  is  the  uttering  of  our  heart's  desire  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  for  that  help,  and  for 
those  blessings  we  need,  in  such  words  (if  it  be  vocal)  as  are  suitably 
adapted  to  express  the  same.  That  "  God  has  no  stili-born  children," 
is  a  common  maxim.  As  crying  or  praying  to  God,  is  an  evidence  of 
being  born  again,  so  where  this  evidence  is  wanting,  the  claim  to  that 
honorable  title  "  Child  of  God,"  has  no  existence. 

"  The  subject  before  us,  in  every  view  of  it,  we  are  sensible,  opens 
a  very  beautiful  and  wide  extended  Held,  which  the  proper  bounds  of 
a  circular  letter  forbid  us  cultivating  in  all  its  parts.  We  must 
therefore  pass  in  silence  many  things,  such  as  the  several  parts 
of  Prayer,  Invocation,  Adoration,  Confession,  Petition,  Piofession, 
Thanksgiving  and  Blessing  :  also  a  distinction  of  the  spirit  and  gift 
of  prayer;  "of  which  we  cannot  now  speak  particularly."  It  is  dif- 
ficuj^to  conceive,  and  more  difficult  to  describe,  the  great  and  exten- 
sive benefits  which  result  from  prayer.  When  the  chequered  scene 
of  Divine  Providence  shall  be  opened  in  Heaven,  then  will  the  saints 
clearer  sec,  and  better  know  the  worth  of  prayer.  God  early  design- 
ed and  made  provision,  that  among  the  ruins  of  the  fall,  the  souls  of 
many  should  be  made  to  love  him.  He  knew  they  would  desire  an 
increasing  enjoyment  of  the  infinite  object  of  their  love :  hence  he 
made  provision  to  meet  those  desires.     He  has  not  seen  fit  to  consum- 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD    TEN     YEARS.  113 

mate,  at  ouce,  the  work  of  grace  in  his  people ;  but  they  are  desiring 
and  receiving  new  discoveries  in  divine  things,  and  new  supplies  of 
grace.  Prayer  is  an  appointed  mean  of  receiving  these  supplies.  It 
contracts  a  blessed  familiarity  with  that  all-glorious  Being,  whose 
favor  is  better  than  life,  and  whose  frown  is  worse  than  death.  It  is 
a  heartstrengtheuing  employment.  By  this  mean  we  shall  obtain  pa- 
tience to  bear  the  ills  of  life,  strength  to  resist  the  allurements  of  the 
world,  and  courage  to  look  death  itself  in  the  face  without  dismay. 
Communion  with  God  in  duties  is  enjoyed,  and  spiritual  blessings  are 
conferred  in  answer  to  prayer.  Not  that  prayer  is  meritorious,  or  in- 
consistent with  the  immutability  of  God.  If  it  then  should  be  asked, 
To  what  purpose  is  Prayer  ?  the  answer  is — Prayer  is  a  way  and 
mean  God  has  appointed  for  the  communication  of  the  blessings  of 
his  goodness  to  bis  people.  Although  he  has  purposed,  provided  and 
promised  them,  yet  he  will  be  sought  unto,  for  their  actual  bestow- 
ment.  It  is  their  duty  and  privilege  to  ask  them  of  him.  "When 
they  are  blessed  with  the  spirit  of  prayer,  it  forbodes  well,  and  looks 
as  if  God  intends  to  bestow  the  good  things  they  ask.  However, 
they  should  always  ask  in  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  saying,  not 
my  will,  but  thine  be  done.  It  therefore  appears  that  prayer  is  an 
appointed  way  of  receiving;  hence,  it  ranks  high  in  the  order  of 
means.  It  is  a  labour  which  instantly  brings  its  own  reward,  and  its 
full  fruit  shall  be  enjoyed  in  Heaven.  It  is  like  the  faithful  spies, 
who  brought  of  the  fruit  of  the  goodly  land.  Suffice  it  to  say,  by 
prayer  mercies  are  sanctified,  afHictions  are  alleviated,  holy  disposi- 
tions are  invigorated,  corrupt  passions  weakened,  and  temptations 
resisted.  Right  praying  begins  at  home,  but  does  not  end  there.  Re- 
lations and  neighbors,  friends  and  enemies,  fellow-professors,  and  the 
Church  of  God  in  general,  the  state  of  the  heathen,  and  the  extensive 
glory  of  the  Redeemer,  are  all  remembered  by  proper  suppUcants  in 
prayer.  Pray  for  thyself— pray  for  Zion — pray  for  the  whole  Earth. 
Brethren,  if  any  of  you  are  destitute  of  the  stated  ministry  of  the 
word,  and  are  so  locally  situated  that  you  cannot  join  and  attend 
where  the  word  and  ordinances  are  administered,  then  pray  the  Lord 
of  the  harvest,  that  he  would  thrust  you  forth  a  laborer,  by  raising 
up  or  sending  some  one  of  the  sons  of  Zion,  to  lead  you  into  the  green 
and  rich  pastures  of  his  word  and  ordinances,  and  feed  you  with 
knowledge  and  understanding.  God's  purposes  of  grace,  his  promis- 
es and  the  predictions  of  his  word,  are  all  fulfilled  in  answer  to  pray- 


114  SHAFTSBURT  ASSOCIATION.  [1808 

er.  What  is  the  travail  of  Zion  but  the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  the 
saints,  when  they  resemble  Jacob,  wrestling  with  the  angel  ? 

"  Ministers,  in  their  administrations,  come  to  their  people  in  the 
fulness  of  gospel  blessings,  and  have  utterance,  freedom  and  bold- 
ness in  preaching,  when  their  people,  by  prayer,  supply  the  place  of 
Aaron  and  Hur.  "  Having  hope,"  saith  the  Apostle,  "  when  your  faith 
^s  increased,  that  we  shall  be  enlarged  by  you,  according  to  our  rule, 
abundantly,  to  preacli  the  gospel  in  the  regions  beyond  you."  The 
Apostle  had  hope,  that  while  he  was  jeoparding  his  life  among  the 
heathen,  in  preaching  the  Cross  of  Christ,  his  Brethren  would  observe 
this  rule  and  pray  for  him.  Blessed  be  God  that  this  rule  was  not 
confined  to  the  apostolic  age.  We  exhort  you,  Brethren,  with  our- 
selves, that  you  carefully  observe  it.  Then  you  will  be  profitable 
hearers  of  the  word,  and  more  profitable  than  otherwise  you  can  pos- 
sibly be,  to  those  who  administer  it. 

When  this  Apostle  was  preaching  the  gospel  and  planting  chm-ches 
where  Christ  was  not  named,  he  was  very  solicitous  for  the  prayers 
of  his  brethren.  This  was  a  means  by  which  the  strong  holds  of  Satan 
were  demolished,  grace  reigned,  and  the  truth  rode  in  triumph.  He 
Calculated  more  on  their  prayers,  than  upon  their  silver  and  gold. 
Faithful  Ministers  had  rather  be  cut  short  in  the  latter  than  in  the 
former ;  yet  silver  and  gold  have  their  proper  connection  and  use  in 
propagating  the  gospel,  as  we  shall  presently  show. 

"Brethren,  shall  our  prayers  be  confined  to  ourselves,  and  to  the 
places  of  our  residence  ?  Shall  Christendom,  or  even  the  bounds  of 
civilization,  limit  the  extent  of  our  desires  ?  0  no,  say  you;  we  have 
often  prayed  that  the  gospel  may  have  a  more  universal  spread,  and 
know  no  other  bounds  than  the  habitable  parts  of  the  earth.  The 
words  of  David  have  often  been  in  our  mouths,  and  we  think  in  our 
hearts  too  : — "  Let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his  glory."  We 
thought,  Brethren,  this  was  the  case.  Now  we  exhort  you  to  act 
consistently  with  such  desires,  and  prove  tliem  sincere.  We  firmly 
believe  that  the  heathen  will  be  given  to  Jesus,  for  his  inheritence, 
and  that  he  will  possess  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth.  Shall  the 
certainty  of  this  event  relax  our  exertions,  or  stimulate  them  ?  The 
latter,  surely.  How  shall  they  (the  benighted  heathen)  call  on  him 
in  whom  they  have  not  believed  ;  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him 
of  whom  they  have  not  heard ;  aud  how  shall  they  hear  without  a 
preacher ;  and  how  shall  they  preach  except  they  be  sent  ?     Shall  we 


CHAP.  Ill,]  THIRD     TEN     YEARS.  115 

at  this  day  look  for  miracles  to  send  ministers,  like  Philip's  flight 
from  the  Ethiopian?  To  indulge  the  thought  is  sin.  Missionaries 
must  be  sent  in  another  way  to  them,  and  these  missionaries  must  be 
supported.  They  have  personal  and  relative  wants,  which  our  pray- 
ers alone  will  not  supply,  for  they  are  yet  in  the  body.  By  liberal 
prayers  and  suitable  eliorts,  genuine  Christianity  is  manifested,  and 
the  glojy  of  the  Redeemer  highly  advanced.  If  our  prayers  for  the 
advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  be  sincere  and  earnest,  we 
shall  act  according  to  our  sphere,  ability  and  opportunity,  in  saying 
and  doing  what  in  ua  lies,  for  that  end.  Brethren,  what  are  our 
riches  ?  Are  they  our  staff  or  our  burden  ?  Do  we  possess  them,  or 
do  they  possess  us  ? 

"  AVe  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  latter-day  glory  is  soon 
to  be  ushered  in  ;  when  Zion  shall  have  an  open  deliverance  from  all 
her  enemies,  whether  Pagan,  Papal,  or  Mahometan.  The  prophecies 
relating  to  the  progress  of  the  gospel,  in  some  degree,  have  been  ful- 
fiUino-  in  every  period  since  the  Christian  era  commenced.  Yea,  ia 
a  sense  from  their  earliest  date,  and  are  eminently  fulfilling  now.  The 
scriptures  assure  us  that  great  convulsions  in  earthly  kingdoms,  and 
the  reio-n  of  Antichrist,  shall  precede  the  remarkable  diffusion  of  gos- 
pel light.  The  nations  are  shaking  in  a  degree,  perhaps  unexampled  ; 
»nd  the  convulsions  of  empires  are  like  the  pangs  of  dissolving  na- 
ture. We  believe  that  Antichrist  is  consuming,  and  will  ere  long, 
with  his  whole  system,  sink  into  his  burning  grave.  Rejoice,  for  the 
Lord  Omnipotent  reigneth.  To  him  all  obstacles  are  less  than  a  straw 
beneath  the  arm  of  a  giant.  Let  therefore  no  difficulties,  improba- 
bilities, nor  apparent  impossibilities,  weaken  our  faith  nor  slacken  our 
exertions  in  prayer. 

"  Beetheen,  you  should  always  pray  and  not  faint.  If  at  any 
time  you  think  of  fainting  in  this  duty,  remember  Daniel — the  par- 
able of  the  poor  widow  and  the  unjust  judge — the  deliverance  of 
Peter  from  prison,  and  the  prayer  of  Elias.  0  !  consider  how  many 
are  engaged  in  this  blessed  employ.  Grace  produces  a  family  like- 
ness among  the  children  of  God,  and  they  all  have  one  language  in 
prayer.  Amid  the  diversities  which  obtain  among  Christians,  there 
is  in  their  sentiments  and  language  in  prayer  a  happy  uniformity^ 
"When  the  godly,  in  their  united  and  fervent  supplications,  rise  and 
spread  like  a  cloud,  we  may  expect  copious  showers  of  blessings. 
The  strong  voice  of  prayer  is  "  the  sound  of  an  abundant  rain."  The 
Northamptonshire  Baptist  Association,  in  England,  Lave  established 


216  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1809 

a  prayer  meeting,  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  and  for  the  success  of 
jnissions.  It  has  been  greatly  blessed.  Sing,  O  Heavens,  for  the 
Lord  reigns  and  doeth  wonders.  While  prayer.  Brethren,  is  your 
chief  solace,  amid  the  duties,  disappointments  and  distresses  of  life, 
shew  yourselves  deeply  concerned  for  the  poor  heathen.  Their  igno- 
rance, their  guilt  and  their  misery,  cry  louder  than  a  thousand 
tongues.  It  is  the  dumb  eloquence  of  the  dying.  Brethren,  shall 
we  wait  and  let  them  come  to  us  ?  This,  not  more  than  one  out  of  a 
hundred  can  do.  The  great  commission  says,  go  to  them.  Let  us, 
therefore,  send  them  the  news  of  a  Saviour,  who  willingly  redeems 
from  destruction,  and  freely  gives  eternal  life  to  those  who  are  ready 
to  perish.  In  saving  sinners  of  every  tribe,  he  fills  the  earth  with 
his  glory ;  and  Heaven  shall  in  the  end  be  replenished  with  the 
peaceful  triumphs  of  his  Cross  aud  Crown.  Thus,  dear  Brethren, 
concludes  our  epistle  to  you.  Receive  it  as  a  token  of  love ;  it  may 
be  the  last  to  many  of  you,  and  also  the  last  from  some  of  «s.  But 
sure  we  are,  if  we  live  and  die  praying,  we  shall  hereafter  meet  prais- 
ing, never  more  to  part. 

"  O  glorious  work  !     0  blest  abode  ! 

"We  shall  be  near  and  like  our  God." 
»N.  KEKDRICK,  C/eri-. 

I.  WEBB,  Modemtorr 

The  following  obituary  appeal's  in  the  minutes  of  this 
year, — "Died,  February  21st,  1808,  Elder  Peter  Wer- 
DEN,  of  Cheshire,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  age.  For  dignity 
of  nature,  soundness  of  judgment,  meekness  of  temper,  and 
unwearied  labors  in  the  ministry,  but  feiv  have  equalled 
him  in  this  age.  He  was  the  founder,  father,  and  guardian 
angel  of  this  Association,  until  his  age  prevented.  lie  fol- 
lowed the  work  of  the  ministry  about  60  years  ;  and  then, 

"  Like  old  Elijah,  in  a  fiery  car, 

"  He  rode  to  Heaven,  to  be  a  shining  star  ; 

"  May  some  Elisha  catch  his  sacred  robe, 

"And  smiting  Jordan  cry,    Where  is  Elijah's  God?"* 

1809. 
The   Association   met   at  Schodach,  June  7th,   and  was 

*For  a  further  notice  of  Elder  Werden,  see  the  Appendix,  where  a  biographic 
aketcli  of  him,  is  given. 


CHAP.    III.]  THIRD     TEN     YEARS.  117 

opened  by  a  sermon,  from  Jude,  5d  verse,  by  Elder  James 
Glass,  of  Cambridge  ;  according  to  appointment.  The  ior- 
raev  Moderator  and  Clerh  were  chosen,  and  from  the  statis- 
tics of  the  churches,  the  following  totals  are  gleaned.  Of 
churches,  33  ;  ministers,  23  ;  additions,  291  ;  dismissions, 
73  ;  exclusions,  55  ;  deaths,  29  ;  and  a  total  of  3,303  mem- 
bers in  the  whole  body.  To  several  chui'ches,  good  acces- 
sions had  been  made.  To  Berlin,  16  ;  Cambridge,  14 ; 
Chesterfield,  39  ;  Clifton  Park,  52  ;  Great  Barrington,  10  ; 
Mapletown,  11 ;  Nassau,  37  ;  Peru,  21 ;  West  Stock- 
bridge,  20  :  Stamford,  10  ;  and  Townsend,  13.  Thus  did 
the  dry  and  barren  ground,  receive  the  showers  of  blessing 
from  on  high,  and  the  plants  of  grace,  flourish  and  blossom 
as  the  rose.  Two  churches  were  received  this  session,  the 
Adams,  (north  village)  Mass.,  Elder  George  AVitherell, 
Pastor,  with  41  members  ;  and  the  i?ec^e<  church,  Mass., 
Elder  Amos  Kingslet,  with  25  members. 

The  missionary  work  went  forward,  S118,15  having  been 
contributed  for  it ;  and  about  nine  months  of  labor  had  been 
performed,  by  Elders  N.  Kendrick,  in  W.  Kew  York  and 
Canada,  and  by  J.  Finch  and  Calvin  Chamberlain,  in  North- 
ern New  York  and  Lower  Canada.  The  circular  letter,  a 
very  good  one,  on  "  Knowing  the  truth,"  was  by  Elder 
Webb  :  and  the  corresponding  on  the  stability  of  Christ's 
kingdom,  by  Elder  Leland.  This  session  was  made  inter- 
esting by  the  Divine  Presence,  and  by  having  several  sea- 
sons of  worship  and  preaching  interspersed  with  the  business. 
Sermons  were  preached  by  Elder  Nathaniel  Culver  of 
West  Stockbridge,  from  J^ccl,  12.  By  Elder  Samuel 
Rogers,  of  Saratoga  Association  from  Prov.  10  :  24  ;  and 
a  closing  one  by  Elder  D.  Rathbun.* 

"  CIRCULAR  LETTER. 

"  The  Ministers  and  Messengers  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  to 
"  the  churches  which  they  represent  ;  send  Christian  salutatio7i  : 

"  Dear  Bsetheen, 

"  In  oui-  last  circular,  we  addressed  you  on  the  important  subject  of 

prayer  ;  a  subject  of  importance  indeed  ;  yet  not  more  so  than  some 

*The  name  of  Mr.  Derm  U  Egglestoti,  was  published  as  an  impostor  on  page  Itlj 
of  tl^e  minutes,  and  tlie  cliurches  warned  to  beware  of  liim. 

6* 


118  SHAFTSBURT    ASSOCIATION.  [1809 

others,  which  demand  the  attention  of  the  Christian  :  For  a,5  prayer 
implies  a  right  disposition  of  heart,  and  connected  with  this  is  an  en- 
lightened understanding,  a  suitable  l-nowledg  of  the  truth  must  ever 
stand  prior  to  the  right  performance  of  the  duty  of  prayer.  Henco 
an  acquaintance  with  the  truth  must  be  of  the  first  necessity  to  every 
intelligent  being,  who  would  worship  God  in  an  acceptable  manner- 
God  is  truth  ;  and  to  have  an  acquaintance  with  truth  is  to  have  an 
acquaintance  with  God.  But  his  word  is  truth  also  ;  for  therein  is 
described  not  only  the  character  of  God  but  the  character  of  man  ;  and 
these  form  the  two  great  pillars,  on  which  rests  the  whole  fabric  of  the 
Gospel.  To  these,  permit  us  (in  brotherly  love)  to  cite  your  minds  for 
a  few  moments.  And,  "First — The  character  of  God.  Heisabeingin- 
finite  in  all  his  attributes.  Justice,  Goodness  and  Truth,  constitute  hi.^ 
moral  prefections.  Consequently,  he  must  be  immutable  in  his  pur- 
poses, and  faithful  in  his  promises.  He  cannot  err  in  counsel,  nor  change 
in  hia  designs :  And  as  the  works  of  all  intelligent  beings  originated 
in  and  flow  from  their  thoughts,  his  thoughts  being  eternal  and  un- 
changeable, his  works  must  unavoidably  result  from  an  eternal  and  un- 
changeable plan.  For  to  suppose  that  the  mind  of  God  could  change, 
or  even  hesitate  for  a  moment,  would  be  a  renunciation  of  every  idea 
of  the  infinitude  of  Deity,  and  would  amount  to  a  denial  of  the  very  ex- 
istence and  being  of  a  God.  It  will  hence  follow,  that  "  he  is  in  one 
mind  ;  and  who  can  turn  him  ?  And  what  his  soul  desircth,  even 
that  he  doth:"  Jobxxiii,  13  :  And  that  "the  counsel  of  the  Lord 
standeth  for  ever ;  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all  generations."  Psalm 
xxxiii,  11.  Tliis  is  the  character  ascribed  in  the  gospel  to  the  God  of 
the  whole  earth ;  and  in  this  point  of  light  is  he  to  be  exhibited  in  the 
gospel  to  the  children  of  men,  as  a  being  worthy  of  supreme  adoration. 
And  the  language  of  truth  is — "  Acquaint  now  thyself  with  him  and  be 
at  peace ;  thereby  good  shall  come  unto  thee."    Job  xxii,  21.    But, 

"Secondly, — In  order  to  be  acquainted  with  him,  we  must  become 
acquainted  with  ourselves.  "  Know  thyself,'^  was  the  golden  maxim  of 
a  heathen  Sage ;  and  this  sentiment  agrees  with  the  gospel,  and  is 
beautifully  amplified  by  the  poet : 

'  Man  know  thyself ;  try  thy  own  heart  to  eean  ; 

The  proper   knowledge  of  mankind  is  man.' 

"  But  here  man  may  adopt  the  language  of  the  Ethiopian  :  Acts 
viii,  31  : — 'How  can  I  understand  except  some  m.in  guide  me?' — 
How  shall  guilty  darkened  man  know  himself,  if  bis  true  character  is 


CHAP,  in.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS,  119 

kept  out  of  view  by  Preachers  of  the  Gospel  I  "  If  the  trumpet  give 
an  uncertain  sound,  who  will  prepare  himself  for  battle  ?"  Will  men 
feel  their  need  of  a  Saviour,  until  they  see  and  feel  their  helpless  and 
hopeless  condition  ?  And  will  they  see  and  feel  these,  until  their  charac- 
ter is  held  up  to  them,  in  a  preached  gospel,  in  its  true  colors  ?  They 
must  be  informed  of  their  vileness  and  total  depravity  ;  that  the  whole 
head  is  sick,  and  the  whole  heart  is  faint  ;  that  they  are  entirely  and 
eternally  undone ;  that  they  are  without  hope,  and  without  God  in  the 
world ;  and  that  "  the  thoughts  of  their  hearts  are  only  evil  contin- 
ally."     Gen.  vi  6. 

"  Thus  the  sinner's  depravity  is  to  be  fully  and  faithfully  exposed  : 
his  crimes  charged  home  to  his  conscience   with  sympathising  fer- 
vency, and  his  true  pictui'e  exhibited  to  view.      And  not  only  this, 
his  picture  must  be  drawn  at  full  length :     He  must  see  himself,  from 
the  crown  of  his  head  to  the  soles  of  his  feet,  in  a  moral  point  of  light. 
He  must  know  that  he  is  an  in'econcilable  enemy  to  God  in  heart, 
opposed  as  much  to  mercy  as  to  justice,  and  as  great  an  enemy  to  the 
gospel  as  to  the  law.     This  is  the  way  in  which  men  become  acquaint- 
ed with   themselves  ;    and  in  this  way  are  they  slain  by   the  law, 
in  order  to  be  made  alive  unto  God.    "  Is  not  my   words  (saith  the 
Lord)  hke  the  hammer,  and  like  the  fii'e,  that  breaketh  the  rock  in 
pieces  2"     And  that  man  who  has  not  thus  been  slain,  has  never 
known  the  value  of  grace,  nor  realised  his  perishing  need  of  a  Saviour ; 
nor  has  he  ever  obtained  right  ideas  of  the  divine  chai-acter.    When 
slain  by  the  law,  then,  and  not  imtil  then,  does  our  hope  in  ourselves 
and  in  our  obedience,  perish  ;  then,  and  not  until  then,  does  God  ap- 
pear as  a  Sovereign,  sitting  upon  the  circle  of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabi- 
tants as  grasshoppers  before  him  ;  the  nations  being  esteemed  as  a  drop 
of  the  bucket,  or  as  the  small  dust  of  the  balance,  in  hia  sight.     Now, 
then,  the  sinner  feels  himself  in  the  hands  of  a  Sovereign,  who  can 
wound  and  can  heal ;  can  kill  and  make  alive  and  can  save  or  destroy. 
Now,  then,  should  sovereign  and  distinguishing  grace  pluck  him  as  a 
brand  from  the  burning.     He  will  be  prepared  and  disposed  to  set  the 
crown  on  the  Redeemer's  head  ;  and  to  ascribe  all  the  glory  to  him 
who  has  loved  him,  and  washed  him  from  his  sins  in  his  own  blood  ; 
and  thus  the  glories  of  sovereign,  distinguishing  and  eternal  love,  shine 
conspicuous  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  unspeakable  consola- 
tion of  the  penitent  soul.     In  this  way  the  sinner  is  humbled,  God  is 
exalted,  and  the  soul  is  saved  upon  a  plan,  ancient  as  eternity  and  per- 
manent aa  the  everlasting  hills. 


120  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [l809 

"  Brethren,  the  doctrine  of  the  divine  perfections  involves  in  it 
that  of  sovereign  grace  ;  and  the  doctrine  of  human  depravity  stands 
closely  connected  therewith  in  the  Bibles.  These  doctrines  stand  di- 
rectly opposed  to  the  pride  of  the  human  heart,  which  rises  up  with 
unrelenting  fury  against  them  and  their  supporters,  and  were  it  in  its 
power,  would  exterminate  them  from  the  earth.  But  be  not  dismay- 
ed. Cleave  fast  unto  the  doctrines  of  grace,  as  unto  the  sheet-anchor 
of  your  souls  ;  in  doing  which,  you  will  ride  out  the  storms  of  time,  and 
at  last,  arrive  safe  in  the  peaceful  haven  of  eternity.  Hold  up  the 
hands  of  those  who  preach  Christ  crucified.  But  shut  your  ears  a- 
gainst  the  syren  voice  of  error  ;  and  turn  away  indignantly  from  that 
man  who  obscures  the  glory  of  sovereign  grace,  by  the  exaltation  of 
human  works ;  who  calls  upon  the  poor  dead  sinner  to  work  out  his 
own  salvation,  whilst  the  enmity  of  his  heart,  and  the  infinite  evil  of 
sin,  are  kept  out  of  view ;  who  tries  to  inflame  the  passions  by  the 
vociferations  of  ignorance,  without  informing  the  judgment,  or  enlight- 
•ning,  the  understanding. 

"  Brethren,  the  fearful  effects  of  Arminian  delusion  are  sufBeiently 
and  awfully  demonstrated  in  our  day.  Against  these  let  us  carefully 
watch,  and  fervently  pray  ;  submitting  ourselves  to  the  direction  and 
trusting  in  the  immutable  faithfulness  of  an  almighty  Saviour  ;  unto 
whom  every  knee  shall  bow,  and  every  tongue  confess  that  he  is  Lord, 
to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father.  Let  us  cherish  this  consoling  reflection, 
that  the  time  is  fast  approaching,  when  the  errors  and  abominations  of 
both  the  deceivers  and  deceived  shall  be  swept  with  the  besom  of  de- 
struction, as  cobwebs,  from  the  earth  ;  when  Christ  shall  take  to  him- 
self his  great  power,  and  shall  reign  over  the  whole  earth  ;  when  (to 
use  the  words  of  Isaiah)  "the  loftiness  of  man  shall  be  bowed  down, 
and  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall  be  made  low  ;  and  the  Lord  alone  , 
shall  be  exalted  in  that  day." 

"  Isaac  Webb,  Moderator." 

"  N.  Kendrick,  Clerk." 

1810. 

The  Thirtieth  Anniversary  was  held  at  White  Creek 
village,  with  the  Cambridge  church,  as  then  called  on  the 
6th  and  7th  days  of  June,  according  to  appointment,  and 
the  annual  sermon  preached  by  Elder  Abijah  Peck,  of 
Clifton  Park,  from  Deut.  33 :  29.     After  which  Elder  War- 


CHAP.  III.]  THIRD    TEN  YEARS.  121 

ren  addressed  the  assembly  on  missions,  and  a  collection  of 
821,00  was  taken  for  that  fund.  Elder  Webb  was  Mode- 
rato  r  again,  and  Elder  Kendrick,  Clerl:.  This  was  the  first 
session  ever  held  in  the  beautiful  village  of  Little  White 
Creek,  as  then  called,  and  there  was  much  of  interest  in  the 
occasion  to  all  present.  It  had  been  a  year  of  increase  in 
many  of  the  churches,  and  some  had  received  showers  of 
grace  upon  their  thirsty  borders. 

The  church  most  highly-favored,  was  the  Olifion  Park, 
which  had  been  permitted  to  gather  in  the  large  accession  of 
62,  to  her  membership,  making  a  total  of  273  in  a  church 
but  15  years  old.  There  had  been  added  to  Adams  church, 
17;  Becket,  7 ;  Berlin,  13;  Cambridge,  8 ;  1  Canaan,  10; 
Charlottville,  U.  C,  20  ;  Great  Barrington,  10  ;  West  Hills- 
dale, 7  ;  Mapletown,  7 ;  Hinsdale,  (once  Peru, J  16  ;  Pow- 
nal,  1 1  ;  West  Stockbridge,  8  ;  Troy,  8  ;  and  Townsend, 
U.  C.,  10.  There  were  recorded  on  the  minutes,  the  statis- 
tics of  33  churches,  with  a  total  of  23  ministers,  249  added 
to  all  the  churches  ;  83  dismissed  ;  42  excluded ;  23  died ; 
and  a  total  of  3,321  members  in  fellowship.  There  were 
14  corresponding  associations  from  whom  Minutes  or  3fes- 
sengers  were  received  at  this  session.  The  missionary  com- 
mittee reported  the  receipt  of  about  SI 60,00  into  their  Trea- 
sury,  and  the  performance  of  four  months  missionary  labor, 
by  Elders  J.  Finch  to  the  north,  and  N.  Kendrick  to  the 
west  part  of  New  York  and  into  Canada,  with  encouraging 
results.  And  in  view  of  the  opening  field  of  labor  among  the 
destitute  parts  of  the  land,  and  the  meagre  contributions  for 
so  worthy  an  object,  the  Association  authorized  "  the  clerk 
to  write  a  short  address  to  the  churches  of  this  association, 
on  the  importance  of  their  coming  forward  more  generally 
in  support  of  the  missionary  interest  ;  and  that  the  same  be 
printed  in  the  minutes." 

The  address,  from  the  pen  of  the  now  departed  Dr.  Na- 
thaniel Kendrick,  we  give  entire,  hoping  it  may  serve 
to  stir  up  the  minds  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  those  fa- 
thers and  mothers  of  this  body,  for  whom  it  was  written,  to 
increase  and  abound  in  the  grace  of  liberality  in  sustaining 
missions,  both  at  home,  and  abroad,  as  the  Providence  of 
God  opens  a  door,  and  beckons  them  out  into  the  field  of  toil 
and  sacrifice  for  Christ's  sake. 


122  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [I8IO 

"  The  Elders  and  Messengers  of  the  Shaftsbcet  Association,  to  the 
Churches  they  have  the  honor  to  represent : 

"  Beloved  Bektheen, 

"  We  have  takeu  under  consideration  the  general  interest  of  Zion, 
as  far  as  we  have  had  an  opportunity  to  extend  our  inquiries.  The 
Bubject  of  Missions  to  the  destitute  parts  of  our  country,  and  even  to 
regions  beyond,  we  dee»i  ofsvfficient  importance,  to  merit  a  more  gen- 
eral attention  than  you  have  heretofore  given  it.  To  say  God  has 
appointed  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  as  the  most  important  means 
for  gathering  his  people  among  all  nations,  is  giving  you  no  informa- 
tion. We  cannot,  for  a  moment,  doubt  your  estabhshment  in  this 
plain  evangelic  sentiment. 

"  You  are  anticipating  the  period,  when  the  gospel  shall  be 
preached  among  all  nations,  and  Christ  shall  have  the  heathen  for  his 
inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possesssion." 
You  know  that  "faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word  of 
God."  "And  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ;  and  how  shall 
they  preach,  except  they  be  sent  ?"  There  are  extensive  parts  of 
the  harvest,  which  have  hitherto  been  unnoticed  by  the  laborers  of  the 
vineyard.  Who  can  tell  why  the  events  of  Providence  were  so  ar- 
ranged, as  to  convey  the  gospel  to  us,  in  distinction  from  any  of  the 
darkest  regions  of  the  world  ?  Have  we  received  the  gospel,  as  the 
miser  does  gold,  that  we  may  treasure  it  up  in  some  secret  deposit, 
where  it  will  be  useless  to  ourselves  and  others  ?  Surely  not.  Were 
we  to  inherit  it,  in  this  way,  it  would  eat  as  doth  a  canker,  and 
eventually  prove  a  savor  of  death  unto  death. 

"  Were  arguments  necessary,  to  call  forth  the  Benevolent  services 
of  Christiana  to  a  dying  world,  arguments  the  most  weighty  might  be 
produced.  You  have  found  the  gospel  of  infinite  importance  to 
yourselves  ;  yea,  the  one  thing  needful  ;  and  the  pearl  of  great  price, 
by  which  your  souls  are  redeemed  from  everlasting  ruin.  The  glory 
and  greatness  ®f  this  world  slu'ink  to  nothing,  and  less  than  nothing, 
when  compared  to  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  A  man  that  gains 
the  whole  world,  must  be  eternally  miserable,  if  he  loses  his  soul. 
Mankind  by  nature,  are  under  condemnation,  and  the  wrath  of  God 
abides  upon  them,  and  there  is  no  possible  way  of  removing  the  curse, 
but  by  the  gospel  of  Christ.  How  infinitely  precious  did  the  gospel 
appear  to  you,  when  you  found  it  the  power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom 
of  God,  conveying  pardoning  mercy  and  boundless  love  to  your  des- 


CHAP,  in.]  THIRD  TEN  YEARS.  123 

pairing  souls.  Hov?  precious  was  the  preached  word.  What  were 
your  desires  that  others  might  come  within  its  sound  ?  Surely  they 
were  inexpres.=;ible, 

"  You  will,  in  the  next  place,  grant,  that  the  preaching  of  the  gos- 
pel is  appointed  to  man.  The  office  of  angels  does  not  extend  to 
this.  The  divine  economy,  as  stated  in  the  scriptures,  and  illustrated 
by  providence,  authorizes  the  belief,  that  man,  in  this  world,  will  be 
the  important  instruments  of  publishing  the  gospel,  down  to  the 
closing  period  of  time.  A  great  part  of  mankind,  at  the  present,  are 
precluded  from  the  stated  administration  of  the  word.  This  is  the 
case  with  most  of  those,  who  inhabit  the  frontiers  of  this  State,  and 
the  provinces  of  Upper  and  Lower  Canada.  The  embarrassments  of 
settling  new  countries,  and  the  scattered  state  of  the  settlers,  render 
it  impracticable  for  them  to  form  societies  and  obtain  a  regular  admin- 
istration of  the  gospel.  They  have  not  the  means  within  themselves  ; 
they  are  dependent.  To  send  missionaries  among  them,  is  the  only 
eligible  method  by  which  they  can  at  present  be  assisted.  This  duty 
devolves  on  those  to  whom  God  has  committed  the  means.  Can  we 
have  any  scruples  of  conscience  respecting  this  duty  ?  Most  certainly 
not.  Thousands  lie  before  us,  perishing  for  lack  of  vision,  and  God 
has  furnished  us  with  the  means  of  sending  them  the  good  word  of 
his  gi-ace.  "Where  is  the  heart  incapable  of  feeling  for  poor  souls  in 
the  regions  aud  shadow  of  death  ?  Surely  not  in  the  bosom  of  the 
christian.  Such  know  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  and  would  even  'save 
sinners  with  fear,  pulling  them  out  of  the  fire.' 

"  A  few  churches  and  individuals  in  this  Association  have  for  sev- 
eral years  past,  made  worthy  exertions  to  send  Missionaries  into  des- 
titute places ;  while  others  have  withheld,  even  the  smallest  encour- 
agement. "We  cannot  think  those  who  duly  appreciate  the  benefits 
of  the  gospel,  can,  for  a  moment,  dispute  the  duty  and  necessiti/  of 
these  exertions.  They  have  hitherto  been  attended  with  the  blessings 
of  heaven,  and  the  hearts  of  many  in  the  wilderness,  have  been  made 
glad.  This  is  a  cause  worthy  of  the  patronage  of  every  Christian, 
"Were  all  the  members  of  the  Association  to  pay  only  six  cents  an- 
nually, it  would  amount  to  more  than  has  been  raised  in  any  one 
year  since  the  commencement  of  the  Institution.  Were  each  to  pay 
but  owe  cent  a  month,  it  would  produce  the  annual  sum  of  $398,52. 
Were  we  to  go  as  far  as  the  females  iu  Boston,  Providence  and  Sa- 
lem, who  are  constituted  into  mite  societies,  and  tas  themselves  with 
ft  cent  a  week,  we  should  annually  raise  ^1,726,92.     Is  it  necessary  to 


124  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1810 

take  the  most  parsimonious  measures  to  wring  from  the  hands  of 
Christians  a  few  cents  of  their  abundance,  to  support  that  cause 
which  they  deem  of  infinite  importance  ?  What  shall  we  think  of 
that  conscience  which  can  give  dollars  for  ornaments,  to  appear 
in  the  fashions  of  the  world,  and  sorupulously  withliold,  even  cents, 
in  the  cause  of  God  ?  We  are  persuaded,  Brethren,  that  many  of 
you  have  inconsiderately  overlooked  your  duty  respecting  this  impor- 
tant subject.  A  word  to  the  wise  is  sufficient.  We  hope,  at  our 
next  annual  meeting,  no  church  will  fail  of  their  liberality,  and  that 
our  Missionary  Society  will  meet  with  a  more  general  patronage. 
May  we  be  helpers  together,  of  each  other's  joy,  and  be  cordially 
united  in  the  most  effectual  means  for  extending  the  triumphs  of  the 
crosa  May  we  not  shrink  at  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day  ;  but  be 
found  faithful  unto  death.  Brethren,  the  time  is  short,  when  this 
woi'ld  will  be  no  more  with  us.  May  we  at  last,  through  grace,  ex- 
change it  for  those  mansions  in  our  Father's  house,  which  are  reserved 
for  the  everlasting  habitations  of  the  Saints." 

The  circular  and  corresponding  letters  were  by  a  com- 
mittee, appointed  at  the  time  to  supply  the  failure  of  those 
who  were  charged  with  this  work  at  the  last  session.  Elders 
Warren,  Lahatt,  Glass,  Mattison  and  Rowley,  were  the 
committee,  and  their  Letter  is  on  "  communion  with  God." 
From  whose  pen  we  cannot  affirm  ;  unless  from  Elder  Wai-- 
ren's,  the  chairman. 

At  this  time,  the  Baptist  Brethren  in  Albany  had  not 
acquired  strength  enough  to  arise  and  build  them  a  house  of 
worship,  nor  even  sustain  a  regular  ministry ;  and  hence 
the  Association  appointed  them  the  following  supplies,  viz  : 

Eld.  Mattison,  the  4tli  Lord's  Day  in  June, 
"    Peck'  "    4th       "        "     '■  Aug. 

"    Olmstead,  "  2d        "       "     "  July, 
"    Glass,  "  1st        "        "     "  Sept. 

"    Hull,  "  5th       "        "     "  Sept. 

As  a  result  of  this  aid  from  the  Pastors  of  this  Body,  it 
will  be  seen  the  cause  was  strengthened  into  visible  exist- 
ence, and  in  the  year  1811,  the  First  Baptist  church  in 
the  capital  of  the  State  of  New  York,  took  her  seat,  by  ap- 
propriate messengers,  in  the  councils  of  the  Association. 
This  session  closed  in  the  following  very  interesting  man- 
ner, as  recorded  on  the  8th  page  of  its  minutes. 

*'  Item  24.     The  business  of  this  very  pleasant  and  enter- 


Eld.  Rowley,  the  4th  Lord's  Day  In  Oct. 
"  Witherell,  4th  "  "  "  Jan. 
"  Lahatt,  "  2d  "  "  "Nov. 
"    Warren,  "    8d        "        "     "  Feb. 


CHAP.   III.]  THIRD   TEN     YEARS.  125 

taining  session,  was  closed  by  a  few  remarks  and  prayer  by 
the  Moderator ;  after  which  Brother  Aaron  Leland,  (after- 
wards Governor  of  the  State  of  Vermont,)  preached  from 
Rom.  8  :  32,  to  a  large  and  solemn  Assembly.  A  short  in- 
termission ensued,  at  which  time  the  ordinance  of  Baptism 
was  administered.  The  people  again  assembled,  and  Brother 
Sylvanus  Haynes  addressed  them  in  an  affectionate  and 
parting  discourse."  Elder  Leland  was  a  Messenger  from 
the  "Woodstock  Association ;  and  Elder  Haynes,  a  member 
of  the  Vermont,  and  had  been  favored  with  a  powerful  work 
of  grace  among  his  people  in  Middletown,  Vt.,  which  had 
added  some  112  in  a  year.  And  so  this  anniversary  closed, 
and  the  Brethren,  Pastors  and  Messengers,  went  rejoicing 
home  from  this  "  feast  of  fat  things,"  upon  the  mountain  of 
Zion. 

1811. 

The  Thirty-First  anniversary  was  held  on  Wednesday 
and  Thursday,  June  5th  and  6th,  with  the  3d  Cheshire 
church.  Mass ,  commencing  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  as  usual  ; 
with  a  sermon  by  Elder  Charles  Lahatt,  of  Pittstown, 
from  l&a.  9:  6,  "The  government  shall  be  upon  his 
shoulder."  Elder  Obed  Warren,  though  not  a  Pastor  at 
the  time  in  the  association,  served  as  Moderator ;  and  Elder 
Charles  Lahatt,  was  Chrh  at  this  session.  It  had  been 
a  year  of  ingathering  in  a  number  of  the  churches ;  more 
than  for  several  years  previous,  as  the  statistical  table  of  the 
year  will  show,  which  we  here  present  to  the  view  of  our 
readers  entire,  as  before,  at  the  close  of  every  decade  of 
years. 

N.  B.     Ministers  in  small  capitals.     A denotes  no 

pastor.  A  *  absent.  The  money  credited  to  the  3d  Cheshire 
Church,  was  the  contribution  taken  at  the  close  of  the  As- 
sociation. The  Egremont  church,  in  this  table,  was  once 
called  the  Great  Barrington ;  and  the  Hoosick,  had  been 
called  Maple  town. 


126 


SHAFrSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 


[1811 


Churches. 


Adams, 

Becket, 
Berlin, 

Chesterfield, 

Cambridge, 
1st  Ganaati, 
2nd  Cayiaan, 

\st  Cheshire, 
Zd  Cheshire, 


Chatham, 
Charlotteville, 
Clifton  Park, 


Clinton,  U.  C, 
Egremont, 

East  Hillsdale, 

West  Hillsdale, 

Hoosick, 

Hinsdale, 

Lansingbiirgh, 

Nassau, 


Pittstown, 
Pittsjield, 

Pownal, 


Rchodack, 
Btephentown, 


MtNISTEES  &  Mes'gES 


G.   WiTHERELT.,  Dea. 

O.  Blackiugton,  C. 

Wliitniore. 
Amos    Kingsley,   D, 

Childs. 
JusTDS  Hull,*  Wells 

Kenyon,  R.  Mentor, 

J.  Hakes,  D.  Torry 
Asa  Todd,  Dea.  Wm 

Keen,  D.  Daniels. 

,  R.  R.   Bennett 

,  Jacob  Ford. 

,  Simon   Hough 

Wm.    Flint. 
Bartemas    B  a  aman, 

Dea.  S.  Carpenter, 

M.  Bowen,  I.  Cole. 
,  Dea.  D.  Conian 

J.   Redway,    Wm. 

Collson. 
Job  Champion.* 
Titus  Finch. 
Abijah  Peck,  Jacob 

St.  John,  Willirim 

Groom,  jr.,  A.  Her- 

rington. 

,  no  messenger. 

J.  Nichols,  D.  Sher 

WOOD. 

Abel  Brown,*  Silas 
Evans,  E.  Bagley. 

,  Dea.  S.  West. 

I.  GLAsa,«-  K  Otis. 

E.  Smith,  A.  Jackson. 

,   A.  B.  Hinmau. 

Ephraim  Harris,  A. 
Hodges,  P.  Brown, 
J.  Knapp. 

Charles  Lahatt. 

John  Francis,  Jr  ,  S. 
Root.,  D.  H.Fraucis. 

David  Hulbert,  I. 
Clark,  B.  Gardner, 
Abiathar  Buck. 

Stephen  Olmstead.  j 

,  no  returns. 


19 


58 
40 

396 

196 

122 

45 

111 

43 


213 
36 
54 


301 

26 

106 

m 

48 

141 

121 

5 


Money 

for 

Missions. 


89 

56 

5   52 

44 

5  25 

192 

3  00 

68 

3  00 

52 

CHAP  III.] 


THIRD    TEN    YEARS. 


127 


> 

C 

K 

^ 

H 

Money 

Churches. 

MiNISTKES  &  Mes'gRS 

e 

a 

3 

Q 

a 

for 
Missions. 

1st  Shaftsbury, 

Isaiah  Mattison,*  E 
Daniels. 

33 

130 

iik  Shaftsburn, 

I .  Mattison,  0.  Whip 
ple,E.Clark,D.Tiok 

ham,  I.  Hendrix. 

81 

8 

2 

3 

375 

831  75 

Savoy, 

Philip  PEARCK,Jabez 
Brigg3,W  Ingraham 

39 

2  05 

Sandisfield, 

Jesse  Hartwell. 

3 

1 

1 

2 

124 

Stamford, 

Paul  Himes,  George 
Sampson,  M.Baker 

17 

52 

W.  Stockbridge, 

,  Fairing  Wilson. 

3 

1 

72 

Troy, 

IsAAO  Wbbb,*  S.  Co- 
vell,     J.    Leonard, 

E.  Tylee. 

4 

3 

3 

77 

16  62 

Toionsend,  U.  C, 

,  no  account. 

56 

Albany 

Francis   W  a  yland, 
F.  Humphrey. 

67 

Oxford,  u.  a. 

A  letter  of  request. 

22 

35  Churches. 

■26  Ministers. 

375 

,63|28 

23 

3724 

$212  59 

Thus  it  is  seen  that  8  or  10  churches  were  blessed  with 
considerable  revivals ;  ,  and  that  tivo,  the  4th  Shaftsbury, 
and  the  Hoosick  churches,  were  visited  with  great  shoivers 
of  grace.  The  Shaftsbury  church,  or  churches,  had  not 
been  so  favored,  since  the  "  Great  Reformation  "  under  El- 
der Blood's  labors,  12  years  before,  or  in  1798.  Elder  I. 
Mattison  was  the  pastor  o(  this  as  well  as  the  first  church,  at 
this  time,  preaching  every  alternate  Lord's  day,  with  each 
church.  This  arrangement  existed  for  about  19  years,  or 
from  April  1807,  when  Elder  Blood  removed,  to  Jan.  1826. 
The  present,  was  a  year  of  jubilee  to  the  then  young  and 
vigorous  Mattison,  in  which  he  was  permitted  to  gather  in 
about  115  to  both  of  the  churches  under  his  care.  Such  a 
favor  was  never  repeated  upon  his  ministry  ;  a  blessing  so 
rich  and  gratifying  in  one  year,  though  he  had  other  har- 
vests in  subsequent  years.  It  is  an  experience  once  in  a 
life  time,  to  gather  such  a  harvest.  Elder  Blood  never  had 
but  one  great  reformation,  as  it  was  termed,  in  Shaftsbury,  or 
any  where  else.  And  so  of  the  revival  in  Hoosick,  under 
Glass's  ministry.     It  was  his  greatest,  and  proved  to  be  his 


128  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1811 

last  ingathering  into  the  garner  of  his  Lord ;  for  he  soon 
went  down  to  his  grave  as  a  shock  of  corn  fully  ripe.  Of 
this  revival,  the^rs^  poiverful  one,  the  Hoosick  church  had 
ever  enjoyed,  we  present  a  brief  account  from  the  pen  of 
the  lamented  Glass,  recorded  in  the  Vermont  Baptist  Miss. 
Magazine,  vol.  1,  page  42,  or  for  April,  1811.  It  is  as  fol- 
lows : — 

"  To  one  of  the  Editors, 

"  Vert  Dear  Brother, 

"Agreeably  to  your  request,!  shall  endeavor  to  give  you  a  short 
statement  of  the  work  of  the  Lord  in  this  town.  About  the  middle 
of  last  May,  there  appeared  an  uncommon  solemnity  among  the 
people.  About  the  same  time,  three  persons  came  to  the  church,  and 
gave  a  relation  of  their  christian  experience,  and  were  received  into 
fellowship.  The  day  fallowing,  after  public  worship,  we  repaired  to 
<he  water-side,  and  there  attended  to  the  ordinance  of  Baptism,  ac- 
cording to  the  apostolic  mode.  A  large  assembly  beheld  the  glorious, 
solemn  scene,  with  remarkable  attention.  From  that  time  to  this,  the 
work  has  been  very  pleasing.  The  candidates  have  proceeded  very 
calmly  and  undei'standingly,  in  every  movement.  There  have  been 
some,  of  all  classes  taken,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  both  old 
and  young,  from  three  score,  down  to  eleven.  About  eighti/have  been 
added  since  the  reformation  began  ;  and  the  prospect  is,  that  many 
more  will  soon  come  forward.  The  work  is  still  going  on,  to  the 
great  joy  of  the  church — the  astonishment  of  wicked  men,  and 
confusion  of  the  powers  of  darkness,  for  they  all  appear  to  be  en- 
gaged to  take  the  field.  But  the  God  of  the  Hebrews  is  on  Zion's 
side,  and  he  answers  by  fire. 

"  I  subscribe,  your  brother,  in  gospel  bonds. 

"HoosicK,  Dec.  23,  1810.  James  Glass.'' 

At  this  session  the  Church  in  Albany,  then  but  just  con- 
stituted, and  since  known  as  the  Greene  Street  Baptist 
church,  with  Elder  Francis  Watland,  as  Pastor,  was  re- 
ceived into  the  Association  ;  also  a  recently  constituted 
church  in  Upper  Canada,  called  Oxford.  The  missionary 
afl'airs  of  the  Body  had  gone  on  as  usual ;  and  the  Execu- 
tive Committee  had  employed  Elders  George  Witherell, 
and  Daniel  Hascall,  to  travel  and  preach  in  Western 
New  York  and  Upper  Canada,  for  three  months  each ;  and 


CHAP.  III.]  TIIIUD     TEN     YEARS.  129 

Elder  Cyrus  Andrews  two  months  in  the  northern  parts 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  making  8  months  labor  which  had 
been  performed.  The  following  record  is  found  on  Page  7 
of  the  minutes. 

"  That  Brethren  Witherell,  Hascall  and  Andrews,  the 
above  named  Missionaries,  made  an  acceptable  report  of 
their  Missions  to  your  Committee  and  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety, of  the  kind  reception  they  received,  together  with  the 
great  want  of  missionary  labors  in  those  places,  where 
they  traveled.     By  order  of  the  Committee, 

"  Edward  Tylee,  Chairman. 

"  Wm.  Groom,  Jr.,  Clerk  for  the  day." 

"Voted,  (by  the  Association)  that  the  above  report  is  sat- 
isfactory to  this  Association."  By  another  vote  of  this 
body,  it  appears  that  they  took  an  interest  in  the  formation 
of  the  Westfield  Association  in  Massachusetts,  and  sent  El- 
ders Hull,  Lahatt,  Witherell,  Francis  and  Mattisou  to  sit 
with  their  Convention  in  August,  for  this  purpose. 

The  missionary  opei'ations  of  the  body  had  been  con- 
ducted under  the  supervision  of  an  Executive,  called  the 
"  Missionary  Committee,"  aided  sometimes,  and  co-operated 
with  by  the  Executive  of  another  society  called  the  "New 
York  Baptist  Missionary  Society,"  before  mentioned  in  the 
doings  of  the  year  1808.  This  year,  to  save  confusion  in  the 
records  of  missionary  affairs,  the  following  notice  appears  on 
page  9th  of  the  minutes. 

"  For  general  information  it  is  to  be  noted,  that  for  some 
years  past,  there  have  existed,  two  missionary  societies  by 
the  same  name,  of  our  order,  in  the  State  of  New  York. 
The  Missionary  Society  connected  with  the  Shaftsbury 
Association  have  therefore  resolved  to  be  known  hereafter, 
by  the  name  of  The  New  York  Northern  Baptist  Mission- 
ary Society." 

A  number  of  items  of  business  were  transacted  worth  no- 
tice beside  ;  such  as  a  favorable  commendation  of  the  "  Ver- 
mont Baptist  Missionary  Magazine,"  to  the  patronage  of  the 
churches :  the  exposure  of  three  impostors  who  were 
trying  to  dupe  the  churches  ;  but  who  were  each  fallen 
men.  Their  names  are  given  as  IFw.  Thomas,  John  Wil- 
iams,  and  John  W.  Carey.  The  circular  and  correspond- 
ing letter  by  a  committee,    this  year  was    read   by  Elder 


130  SHAFTSBURY     ASSOCIATION.  [1811 

Asahel  Morse,  and  approved  for  the  minutes.  Its  theme  is 
the  "Three  Christian  Graces,  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity;"  and 
is  a  brief  but  worthy  practical  epistle.  An  interesting  let- 
ter from  the  Shaftsbury  Female  jNIite  Society,  signed  by 
Mary  Clauk,  as  Presidext,  sent  to  the  Association,  with 
a  contribution  of  $1G,45  is  printed  with  the  minutes  of  this 
year,  but  we  have  not  room  to  insert  it,  though  a  worthy 
epistle.  Sermons  were  pi'eached  during  the  session  by  El- 
der Aaron  Leland,  from  Ps.  SO :  14;  Elder  F.  Wayland, 
from  Phil.  4:  13,  and  by  Elder  Rogers,  from  Saratoga  As- 
sociation, on  Thursday  P.  M.,  in  the  meeting  house,  while 
business  was  going  on  in  another  "  convenient  room,  at  the 
same  time." 

And  so  closed  up  the  business  of  this  interesting  session 
of  the  Body,  finishing  the  third  decade  of  its  history,  and  a 
most  interesting  portion  of  it  too. 

Finally,  in  closing  this  chapter,  it  may  be  proper  to 
enumerate  some  of  the  leading  events  that  characterized  it. 
The  rise  and  progress  of  the  missionary  spirit,  in  efforts  to 
scatter  the  light  of  truth  among  the  destitute  settlements  of 
the  west,  indicates  a  spirit  of  enterprise  worthy  of  such  men 
as  led  aud  foUoiced  in  that  noble  work.  The  services  of  a 
Blood,  Covell,  Warren,  Finch,  Gorton,  Asahel  Morse,  C. 
Chamberlain,  N.  Kendrick,  Hascall,  AVitherell  and  An- 
drews— who  labored  under  the  patronage  of  this  body,  can- 
not be  valued  until  the  revelations  of  the  iinal  day,  shall 
tell  what  good  they  did  in  comforting  God's  people,  awaken- 
ing sinners,  encouraging  feeble  churches,  and  setting  in  or- 
der the  things  that  were  wanting  in  a  hundred  places  whith- 
er their  footsteps  were  directed  by  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  in  the  wildernesses  of  Northern  and  Western  New 
York,  and  of  Canada  West.  Beside  these,  some  other 
Brethren,  as  Elder  Jesse  Hartwell,  belonging  to  this 
body,  did  good  service  under  the  patronage  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Baptist  Missionary  Society,  and  thus  run  the  lines  of 
this  Association  abroad  over  various  parts  of  the  country. 
How  many  souls  were  converted,  persons  baptised,  churches 
formed,  or  ministers  ordained,  we  have  no  means  of  knowing 
in  the  aggregate.  But  the  wilderness  and  solitary  place 
were  often  gladdened  because  of  them,  and  many  will  rise 
up  hereafter   and   call  these  messengers  of  God's  grace  to 


CHAP.  III.]  THIIID    TEN    YEARS.  13i 

them,  Blessed, — for  the  benefits  thus  conferred,  by  the  la- 
bors and  contributions  oftlie  Shaflsbury  Association.  Dur- 
ing this  period  the  number  of  churches  and  ministers  in  the 
body  sutfered  a  diminution,  by  the  establishment  of  a  ne^y 
Association,  in  Saratoga  co.,  and  the  dismissal  of  churches 
in  other  directions  ;  but  on  the  whole,  there  was  a  great  ad- 
vance of  the  general  cause.  And  although  some  15  churches 
were  dismissed,  and  some  others  droj^ped  from  the  body,  yet 
at  the  close  of  this  period  of  11  years,  there  were  but  1 1  less 
churches  in  the  body  and  400  less  membership  ;  while  some 
3,000  had  been  added  to  all  the  churches  in  the  same  time. 
The  Saratoga  Body  reported  a  total  of  22  churches,  15  min- 
isters, and  about  2  500  members  in  1811  ;  so  that  if  we  add 
the  total  of  these  two  bodies  together  at  this  time,  Ave  find 
an  advance  in  their  united  territory  of  about  fifty  per  cent, 
in  membership,  and  some  30  per  cent,  in  the  number  of 
churches  and  ministers. 

But  during  this  period,  more  than  any  other  previous,  the 
Association  lost  from  her  ministry  by  death.  Almost  every 
year  some  standard-bearer  fainted  and  fell  by  the  stroke  of 
Death  from  the  towers  of  Zion,  "  and  great  lamentation  was 
made  by  devout  men,"  over  him.  Elder  Haskins  of  Sa- 
voy, in  1803,  is  reported  as  having  ceased  from  among  the 
living.  In  1806,  Elders  Clark  Eogeks,  of  Hancock; 
Nathan  Mason,  of  Cheshire  ;  the  pious  Barnes  of  Ca- 
naan ;  and  the  Beloved  Covell  died  on  his  Canada 
Mission  ;  in  1808,  the  venerable  Werden  fell  in  a  good 
old  age,  full  of  years  and  honors,  and  was  laid  to  his  repose 
in  the  grave.  And  how  many  of  the  Beloved  Brethren  and 
Sisters,  who  had  shared  their  toils  and  trials,  joys  and  tri- 
umphs in  the  service  of  God  below,  had  also  gone  up  with 
these  leaders  in  Zion,  to  join  the  Great  Association  of  the 
saints  above,  where  toils  and  tears,  and  tribulations  never 
come,  we  cannot  say.     But  in  the  words  of  the  sacred  poet 

"  There  the  saints  of  all  ages  in  harmony  meet, 

"  Their  Saviour  and  Brethren  transported  to  greet  ; 

"  While  anthems  of  rapture  unceasingly  roll, 

"  And  the  smile  of  the  Lord,  is  the  feast  of  the  soul." 

MUHLENBURGH. 


132  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION,  [1^12 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Annals  of  the  Body,  from  1812,  to  1S21,  or  for  the  fourth  decade  of 
years — Ajieriod  of  trials  and  of  blessings  also,  to  the  churches. 


We  come  now  to  tbo  work  of  tracing  the  annals  of  this 
body,  during  another  decade  of  years,  a  period  full  of  stir^ 
ring  incidents,  in  the  history  of  the  church  and  the  Avorld. 
It  includes  the  days  of  darkness  for  our  country  and  the 
■  Zion  of  God,  when  the  pall  of  war  covered  the  face  of  the 
land,  and  portions  of  our  territory  were  whitened  by  the  en- 
campments of  a  foreign  host,  and  some  of  our  cities  were 
ravaged,  dwellings  and  houses  of  worship  burnt  by  the 
ruthless  barbarity  of  an  invading  foe,  and  thousands  of  fami- 
lies filled  with  mourning  and  wretchedness  by  the  events  of 
such  times.  For  years,  the  converting  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  seemed  measurably  withdrawn,  even  from  the  church- 
es of  the  saints,  and  few  were  made  the  subjects  of  renewing 
grace;  while,  by  tens  of  thousands,  our  fellow  mortals  went 
down  annually  to  the  grave,  in  the  battle-field,  on  the  briny 
deep,  or  at  home  amid  the  busy  arts  of  life.  But  to  this  period 
of  bloodshed  and  desolation,  there  succeeded  a  time  of  peace 
and  great  rejoicing,  not  only  among  the  citizens  of  our  land, 
generally,  but  more  especially  in  tlie  dwellings  of  God's  saints. 
Although  the /i/'s^  of  this' series  of  years  was  a  time  of  ingath- 
ering, some  400  being  added  to  all  the  churches,  the  first  four 
years,  showed  only  752  added  to  all  the  churches,  and  a  total 
of  3,511.  But  the  last  six  years  of  this  period,  was  a  time 
of  enlargement  in  many  of  the  churches  ;  and  more  than 
1,600  were  added  to  them  all,  making  a  total  of  2,850,  at  its 
close,  after  some  8  churches  had  been  dismissed  to  other 
associations  around.  This  period  commences  with  32 
churches,  and  22  ministers  ;  and  closes  with  25  churches, 
and  but  14  ministers  in  its  embrace.  And  yet  "God  was 
good  to  Israel,"  during  this  period.  Let  us  follow  the  stream 
of  his  goodness  and  grace,  as  it  flowed  down  the  tide  of  time 
for  the  next  Ten  years. 


CHAP,  IV.j         FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  133 

1812, 

The  thirty-second  session  of  the  association  was  held  at 
West  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  on  the  third  and  fourth  days  of 
June,  1812,  according  to  appointment  the  previous  year. 
Elder  Isaiah  Mattison  preached  the  introductory  sermon, 
from  Prov.  11 :  30  ;  "  He  that  winneth  souls  is  wise."  This 
was  the  first  of  six  anniversary  sermons  he  has  preached  to 
this  body  in  about  forty  years.  Elder  0.  Warren  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  Brother  Wm.  Groom,  jr,,  Clerk. 
But  32  churches  were  present  by  their  messengers  :  with 
22  ministers  among  these  churches,  of  whom  13  were  pres- 
ent. There  had  been  added  to  the  body,  392  ;  dismissed,  52  ; 
excluded,  38  ;  died,  30  ;  and  there  was  a  total  of  3,667  in 
all  the  churches.  The  churches  in  Becket,  Chesterfield 
and  Hinsdale,  Mass.,  having  joined  the  new  Westfield  asso- 
ciation, were  formally  dismissed  from  the  body.  The  great 
revival  of  the  year,  was  reported  in  the  Berlin  church,  where 
225  had  been  added  to  one  church — an  unprecedented  num- 
ber. It  was  a  great  work  ;  and  the  greatest  harvest  of  El- 
der Hull's  long  ministry  in  that  place.  An  account  of  it  was 
printed  in  the  Mass.  Bap.  Missionary  Mag.  for  June,  1812, 
vol.  3,  pages  172-3,  but  we  cannot  now  find  that  number  of 
the  Magazine.  A  reference  is  made  to  it  in  Benedict's  His- 
tory of  the  Baptists,  vol.  2,  pages  550-1,  in  w^hich  he  says: 
*'  A  revival  of  an  uncommon  nature  was  experienced  in  Ber- 
lin, in  1811  ;  over  200  joined  the  church  under  considera- 
tion. In  one  day  57  wei'e  baptised  in  the  space  of  32  minutes : 
over  one  hundred  joined  the  Sabbatarians,  and  about  thirty 
were  added  to  the  open  communion  church  in  the  town." 
This  was  a  great  work  indeed,  in  which  more  than 
three  hundred  and  fifty  souls  were  brought  to  an  open  pro- 
fession of  their  Saviour  before  the  world,  in  one  town  or 
community,  during  a  single  revival  season.  It  increased 
the  number  of  Elder  Hull's  church — always  large — to  611. 
It  is  said  that  some  of  the  people  in  the  town,  during  this 
work,  verily  thought  they  heard  the  voices  of  angels  sing- 
ing for  joy,  upon  the  mountains  around  the  place.  INo 
doubt  angels  rejoiced  in  the  presence  of  their  God,  at  the 
sight  of  this  work,  whether  their  voices  were  heard  or  not. 
The  other  churches  most  favored  were  the  Albany,  to  which 

7 


134  6HAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATIOJ^.  [1812 

11  were  added  ;  Cambridge,  14,  now  under  the  care  of  El- 
der Obed  Warren  for  some  three  years ;  Pittsfield,  10,  El- 
der John  Francis,  jr.  ;  Schodack,  10  ;  4th  Shaftsbury,  23  ; 
and  Stamford,  Elder  Paul  Himes,  54.  Thus  were  seveji 
churches  especially  favored  of  God  this  year,  mostly  those 
that  had  received  few  additions  the  year  before. 

The  2d  Cheshire  Church,  usually  known  as  the  3d 
church,  sent  two  letters  from  two  rival  claimants  to  be  the 
church  ;  and  a  large  committee  of  10  ministers  and  5  breth- 
ren were  appointed  to  meet  with  the  church,  in  July,  and 
aid  m  harmonizing  their  difficulties.  They  reported  this 
year  a  total  of  213  members,  and  it  was  desirable  to  save 
them  from  distraction,  if  possible.  A  council  which  had 
failed  to  give  them  effectual  aid,  were  invited  to  attend  on 
the  new  occasion. 

The  Missionary  Committee  reported  in  substance  as  fol- 
lows :  "  That  the  monies  received  from  the  several  districts, 
churches,  societies  and  individuals,  amount  to  the  sum  of 
8226,51  ;  and  the  balance  in  the  treasury  of  1811,  was 
676,07,  making  a  total  of  $302,58.  That  they  had  em- 
ployed Brother  Daniel  Hascall  as  a  Missionary,  to  travel 
and  preach  in  the  destitute  places  of  the  Northern  parts  of 
the  State  of  New  York,  for  the  term  of  two  months,  paying 
him  $40,00  for  his  services  ;  and  that  Br.  Cyrus  Andrews 
had  performed  a  like  service  in  Western  New  York  and 
Canada,  for  the  period  of  six  months,  for  which  they  paid 
him  S120,00,  leaving  a  balance  of  S142,58  in  the  treasury. 
That  these  Brethren  report  a  kind  reception  among  the  peo- 
ple, and  a  great  want  of  Gospel  labors  in  some  places, 
whence  the  Macedonian  cry — Come  over  and  help  us,  sound- 
ed in  their  ears."  This  report  was  accepted  as  satisfactory 
by  the  Association.  The  church  at  West  Stockbridge  being 
in  a  state  of  trial,  a  committee  of  9  ministering  Brethren 
were  appointed  to  counsel  and  aid  them  to  a  better  state 
of  things,  and  report  at  the  next  session. 

The  circular  letter  wnii  by  Elder  Charles  Lahatt,  on  ''the 
value  of  Divine  Truth."  It  was  both  the  circular  and  cor- 
responding letter.  Divine  worship  was  attended  a  number  of 
times  during  the  session.  Elder  Hascall  preached  on  Wed- 
nesday P.  M,,  at  5  o'clock,  in  the  Baptist  meeting  house  while 
the  association  was  in  session  in  the  house  of  the  Congrega- 


CHAP.  I  V.J         FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  135 

tional  Church.  Elder  Morse  preached  on  Thursday  mor- 
ning at  10  o'clock,  from  1  Kings  6:7."  And  the  house  when  il 
was  ia  building,  was  built  of  stone,  made  ready  before  it  was 
brought  thither  ;  so  that  there  was  neither  hammer  nor  axe, 
nor  any  tool  of  iron,  heard  in  the  house  while  it  was  build= 
ing."  And  when  at  3  P.  M.  their  business  was  finished, 
"  the  Moderator  addressed  the  association  and  assembly  in 
a  very  solemn  and  impressive  manner,  and  closed  by  im» 
ploring  the  Divine  benediction  on  the  association,  and  all 
the  churches,  and  on  the  world  of  mankind."  "  After  a 
short  intermission,"  it  is  added,  "  Brother  Niles  addressed 
the  assembly  in  a  very  solemn  and  impressive  manner.  This 
session  has  been  particularly  agreeable ;  several  things  con- 
tributed to  render  it  so — the  union  and  friendship  which 
reigned  among  us — a  quick  despatch  of  business — the  sol- 
emn and  evangelical  preaching — with  a  sense  of  the  divine 
presenee  with  us — made  it  a  season,  we  trust,  long  to  be 
remembered." 

On  the  minutes  of  this  year,  page  5  we  have  the  follow- 
ing sad  announcement : — We  announce  to  the  churches,  the 
death  of  the  Rev.  James  Glass,  of  Hoosick.  He  was  a  pious, 
faithful  and  an  evangelical  minister  of  the  gospel,  and  much 
beloved  and  respected  by  his  friends  and  acquaintances. 
He  was  removed  from  the  church  militant,  in  the  midst  of 
his  usefulness,  (we  trust)  to  join  the  church  triumphant,  to 
receive  the  happy  plaudit,  "  enter  into  the  joys  of  thy  Lord. 
"  The  righteous  shall  be  in  everlasting  remembrance." 
In  the  Vermont  Baptist  Miss.  Magazine,  for  November, 
1811,  page  115,  we  find  the  following  obituary  of  this  de- 
parted minister  of  Christ. 

"  The  memory  of  the  Just  is  Blessed." 

"Died,  at  Hoosick,  N.  Y.,  on  the  6th  of  August,  1811, 
in  the  36  year  of  his  age,  the  Rev.  James  Glass,  Pastor 
of  the  Baptist  Church  in  that  place. 

"He  w\^s  a  man  of  amiable  disposition;  pleasant  and 
agreeable  in  his  manners  ;  solemn  and  weighty  in  his  admin- 
istrations from  the  desk ;  serious  and  exemplary  in  his  life ; 
sound  and  sentimental  in  his  faith,  and  especially  in  the 
great  and  precious  doctrines  of  grace  ;  and  successful  as  a 
faithf«l  minister   and   servant   of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


136  SlIAFTSBURY  ASSnclATION.  [1813 

For  his  soul's  satisfaction;  a  number  of  month's  before  his 
death,  he  saw  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  prosper  in  his  hands. 
His  constant  labors  in  the  work  may,  perhaps,  have  contribu- 
ted to  bring  upon  him  a  pulmonary  consumption,  of  which 
he  died. 

"  A  number  of  weeks  before  his  death,  he  evidently  saw 
that  he  was  going  to  the  generation  of  his   fathers,  to  lie 
down  in   the  dust.     He  viewed   the   great  and  important 
scenes  before  him,    (into    which  his  disorder  was  daily  and 
gradually    conducting  him)    with  an  awful  and   solemn  de- 
light.    As  he  passed  along  in  this  enfeebled  condition,  from 
day  to  day,  never  more  to  retrace  his  steps,  and  leaving  all 
behind,  he  comforted  and  encouraged  the  saints,  exhorted 
sinners  almost  to  his  last  breath,  and  died  full  of  joy,  in  the 
triumphs  of  faith  ;  leaving  his  beloved,   but  afflicted  family, 
church  and  people,  and  his  brethren  in  the  gospel   ministry, 
through   an   extensive   circle,    to  mourn,  that  the    beloved 
James  was  prematurely  called  from  his  useful  labors,  while 
(he  harvest  is  great,  but  such  laborers  few. 
"  Peace  to  his  shades ; 
"  And  when  the  general  doom 
"  Shall  wake  him,  renovated  from  the  lomb, 
"  Be  grace's  white  mantle  o'er  his  shoulders  spread, 
"  And  the  saints  garment  clad  about  his  head." 

During  his  brief  ministry  of  8  years,  he  must  have  bap- 
tised about  150  converts.  Some  60  in  White  Creek  during 
the  six  years  of  his  labor  there,  and  90  at  Iloosick. 

1813. 

The  Thirty-third  Session  was  held  with  the  Nassau 
church,  at  the  Union  Meeting  House,  June  3d  and  4th,  and 
the  opening  discourse  was  by  Elder  Warren,  from  1  Tim. 
3 :  15,  "  But  if  I  tarry  long,  that  thou  mayest  know  how 
thou  oughtest  to  behave  thyself,  in  the  house  of  God,  the 
church  of  the  living  God,  the  pillar  and  ground  of  the  truth." 
Elder  Isaac  Webb,  of  Albany,  was  Moderator ^  and  Elder 
Eli  Ball,  of  Lansingburgh,  Clerk,  at  this  anniversary. 
Ttvo  churches  were  added  this  session,  the  3o?  New  Canaany 
as  then  called,  and  now  the  2d  Canaan,  in  Columbia  co.  N. 
Y.;  and  the    Williamstown   church,  Mass,  revived,  or  re- 


CHAP.  IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  137 

organized  and  put  in  a  course  of  gospel  travel  again  with  26 
members.  This  made  the  number  of  churches,  34  ;  minis- 
ters, 22;  licentiates,  1  ;  added,  151;  dismissed,  115;  ex- 
cluded, 38  ;  died,  72  ;  and  a  total  of  3,572.  There  were 
added  to  several  churches  a  revival  blessing,  as  to  the  Al- 
bany, 16;  Berlin,  28  ;  Nassau,  Elder  Enoch  Ferris,  8; 
Schodack,  19  ;  1  Stephentowu,  Elder  Julius  Beeman,  7  ; 
Savoy,  Elder  Phillip  Pearce,  12  ;  West  Stockbridge,  10  ; 
now  encouraged  by  the  Brethren  sent  to  their  aid  by  ap- 
pointment the  last  session. 

The  missionary  concerns  were  not  as  prosperous  as  usual, 
for  want  of  funds,  and  opportunity  of  usefulness  in  the  Ca- 
nada field,  in  consequence  of  the  existing  war  with  Great 
Britain,  raging  on  the  western  borders  of  New  York  State. 

Still  some  $120,00  of  funds  were  on  hand,  and  they 
had  employed  Elder  Cyrus  Andrews  on  a  missionary  tour 
into  the  Holland  Purchase  country,  the  south  western  part 
of  New  York,  for  three  months,  and  the  committee  had  paid 
in  advance  60  dollars  for  his  services.  The  association 
voted  to  patronize  the  missionary  society  more  vigorously, 
and  the  following  note  inserted  in  the  minutes  by  the  Clei'k, 
shows  the  measure  of  interest,  or  Benevolence  aimed  at,  in 
those  days.  "  This  laudable  institution  has  for  its  object,  the 
salvation  of  lost  sinners.  "We  should  think  this  were  suffi- 
cient to  stimulate  every  well-wisher  to  man.  If  every  mem- 
her  of  this  Association  would  only  lay  by  the  small  sum  of 
one  cent  a  week  for  the  missionary  fund,  it  would  amount  to 
the  sum  of  Sl,857,44,  in  one  year  !! !  And  but  for  some 
Buch  small  exertions,  by  those  who  enjoy  the  Gospel,  thou- 
sands must  lie  in  the  dismal  night  of  Paganism,  without 
God  and  hope  in  the  ivorld.     May  God  inspire  our  zeal." 

From  the  spirit  of  this  appeal  we  conclude  there  must 
have  been  an  interest  already  felt  for  the  heathen,  and  the 
work  of  Foreign  Missions  began  to  be  thought  of,  in  this 
body.  The  beloved  Judson  and  his  wife  had  now  been 
cast  upon  the  American  Baptists  for  support ;  this  appeal 
sought  help  for  them,  at  the  rate  of  only  a  penny  a  week 
from  every  professed  christian.  How  easy  for  us  to  save 
that  sum,  if  we  would,  for  so  noble  a  work,  as  the  spread 
of  the  gospel  among  the  perishing,  and  not  abridge  any  of 
the  real  necessities  of  our  being.     But,  with  a  little  self-de- 


138  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1813 

ninl,  and  we  might  double  that  amount  in  all  our  churches; 
and  then  our  Home  and  Foreign  Mission,  and  every  other 
gospel  enterprise  TTOuld  prosper.  The  measure  of  contribu- 
tions in  this  body,  as  a  whole,  for  the  last  few  years,  say 
1850-52,  has  more  than  equalled  the  amount  of  a  penny  a 
week  average,  on  each  member  of  the  churches,  for  the  sev- 
eral objects  of  christian  benevolence  sustained  in  our  de- 
nomination. Still,  it  has  been  rery  unequally  divided ; 
some  churches  doing  almost  nothing,  while  others  have  sus- 
tained the  reputation  of  the  whole,  by  mo7-e  than  their  pro- 
portionate amount. 

On  Thursday  A.  M.  of  this  session,  the  solemn  services 
of  an  Ordination  took  place  as  recorded  in  the  following 
words,  Page  10  : — 

"  By  request  of  the  1st  Baptist  church  in  Canaan,  an  ec- 
clesiastical council  formed  ;  and  having  attended  to  the 
usual  mode  of  examination  at  11  o'clock,  Thursday  A.  M., 
proceeded  to  ordain  Brother  Silas  Spalding  to  the  holy  tvork 
of  the  ministry.  Elder  Webb  preached  the  sermon  from 
John  6  :  45.  Elder  Hull  made  the  consecrating  prayer,  and 
laid  on  hands  with  Elders  Warren  and  Webb.  Elder  War- 
ren gave  the  charge.  Elder  Witherell  gave  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship,  and  made  the  concluding  prayer." 

It  is  more  common  to  ordain  a  Pastor  in  his  own  church, 
and  among  the  people  of  his  charge  ;  but  for  coavenience 
sake,  to  the  council,  it  is  sometimes  done  at  such  a  gather- 
ing as  this,  where  the  Presbytery  are  assembled  for  other 
purposes.  One  part  of  the  usual  services  is  necessarily 
omitted,  in  such  a  case,  the  address  to  the  church  and  con- 
gregation ;  which  is  often  as  important  to  them,  to  stir  them 
up  to  their  duty,  as  the  charge  is  to  the  Pastor,  to  lay  his 
responsibility  upon  him.  This  Ordination  service  no  doubt 
added  to  the  interest  ©f  this  session  of  the  Association  ;  and 
as  it  took  jdace  in  a  town  not  lar  from  the  people  of  Mr. 
Spalding's  charge,  u  is  probable  many  of  them  attended,  and 
enjoyed  both  occasions  with  the  bi'etiireii  of  the     association. 

Tlie  committee  sent  last  year  to  help  arrange  the  affairs 
of  the  Cheshire  Brethien  were  not  received,  and  a  new  ex- 
pedient was  fallen  upon  this  year  to  aid  them,  viz  : — "  Five 
ministering  Brethren  were  to  be  chosen,  two  by  the  church, 
two  by  the  dismissed  Brethren,  and  one  by  the  Association, 


CHAP  IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEAHS.  139 

and  report  next    session.     Accordingly  Elders   Morse   and 
Hull,   Avere    chosen    by  the    church ;  Elders    Warren  and 
Jackson   by  the   dismissed  Brethren^    and  Elder  Purington 
by  the  association.       Tliis  council  is  to  meet  at  the  meeting- 
house occupied  by   the  2d   Church,  (in  Cheshire,)  on  Wed- 
nesday, 25th  of  August,  at  9  o'clock  A.  M."     The  result  of 
this  labor,  as  given  in  the  next  year's  minutes,  was  as  follows  : 
"  The  committee  appointed  to  look  into  some  difficulties  in 
the  2d  Cheshire  church  reported  ;  and   after  hearing  them, 
the  association  voted,  That  in  our  opinion,    the  church  has 
been  negligent  in  discipline,  and  also  in  the  commemoration 
of  the  Lord's  Supper.     But    hearing  that  there  are   some 
hopeful   appearances  of  a  return  to  resume  the    travel  of  a 
gospel   church,    we  feel  it  our  duty  to  encourage  and  help 
them,  and  to  exhort  them  to  arise  and  let  their  light  shine, 
in  the  character  of  a  gospel  people. — [Minutes  1814,  p.  9."] 
The  circular  and    corresponding  letter  for  this  year  was 
written  by  Elder  Francis  Wayland,  senior,  now  no  more  on 
Earth  ;  and  its  Tlieme  was  "  Prayer,  its  nature,  necessity 
and  advantages."     It  was  a  worthy  effusion  from  the  heart 
and  head  of  its  author,  and  when  read  before  the  association 
for  adoption,  it  was  '•  unanimously  received  with  demonstra- 
tions of  approbation  of  the  sentiments  it  contained,"  say  the 
minutes,  ''and  committed  to  the  clerk  for  printing."     Could 
we  feel  satisfied  in  enlarging  our  work  to  a  sufficient  size  to 
allow  us,  we  would  reprint  this,  and  several  other  circulars. 
But  we  must  deny  ourselves  that  pleasure,  for  want  of  room. 
Thi-,  agreeable  session  was  closed  at  3  o'clock  on  Thurs- 
day P.  M.  and  "at  1-2  past  three  Elder  Witherell  preached 
to  the  people  ready  to  depart,"  to  their  homes,  as  had  become 
the  custom  of  late  years  at  the  close  of  the  associational  meet- 
ings.    The  minutes  give  us  the  following  brief  but  senten- 
tious obituary  of  one  of  the  Pastors  in  the  body. 

"  We  announce  to  the  churches,  the  death  of  that  truly 
estimablemember  of  this  association,  and  Pastor  of  the  church 
in  Nassau,  Elder  Ephraim  Harris.  He  was  eminent  in 
piety,  useful  in  the  ministry,  ax\d faithful  unto  death.  '■'■Be 
thou  faithful  unto  death  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life.''* 

1814. 
The  Thirty-fourth   Session  of  the  Association  was  held  at 
Scbodack,  June  1st   and  2d,  as  appointed.      Polder   Justus 


140  SHAFTSBURT  ASSOCIATION.  [1814 

Hull  preached  the  introductory  from  Ezek.  10  ;  5.  "  And 
the  sound  of  the  cherubims  wings  was  heard  even  to  the  out- 
er court,  as  the  voice  of  the  Almighty  God,  when  he  speak- 
eth."  Elder  Abu  ah  Peck  served  as  Moderator,  and  Elder 
Eli  Ball,  as  clerk  again.  There  were  reported  in  the 
minutes  this  year,  35  churches  ;  22  ministers  ;  131  added  ;  71 
dismissed  ;  41  exchided  ;  44  died  ;  and  a  total  of  3,599. 

The  church  in  Arlington,  then  newly  formed,  was  added 
this  session.  There  had  been  some  revival  in  o  or  4  church- 
es. To  the  East  Hillsdale  chui-ch,  10  had  been  added  ; 
22  to  the  Nassau;  7  to  the  Savoy;  13  to  the  West  Stock- 
bridge;  and  12,  to  Arlington.  And  a  few  to  a  majority  of 
the  churches.  But  it  had  been  a  year  of  dearth  generally  ; 
and  the  ways  of  Zion  had  mourned  because  few  came  to  her 
solemn  feasts.  The  war-clouds  had  over-spread  the  land, 
especially  the  northern  frontiers,  and  the  public  attention 
had  been  much  diverted  from  the  arts  of  peace,  and  the  insti- 
tutions of  religion.  Still  God  left  not  himself  without  wit- 
nesses of  his  power  and  readiness  to  save  among  the  churches 
of  the  body,  and  a  goodly  number,  under  all  the  circumstan- 
ce, were  brought  forward  into  visible  fellowship  as  the  result 
of  faithful  pastoral  labor.  The  missionary  work  had  been 
carried  on  and  some  months  labor  were  reported  as  having 
been  performed.  Of  funds  $124,63,  had  been  collected  dur- 
ing  the  year,  and  at  this  anniversary. 

A  vote  of  the  association,  passed  at  the  session  of  1813,  in 
regard  to  the  standing  of  Aaron  Haynes,  as  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  in  the  fellowship  of  this  body,  was  rescinded  as  being 
unconstitutional.  A  sermon  was  preached  on  Thursday 
morning  by  Elder  Joseph  Elliot,  of  the  Leyden  association, 
from  Col.  5  :  2.  The  circular  and  corresponding  letter  was 
by  Elder  Warren,  and  may  be  ealled  "  Thoughts  for  the 
times  ;"  and  it  was  quite  appropriate  for  those  years  of 
bloodshed  and  spiritual  decay.  The  following  extract  will 
show  what  cause  for  humiliation  and  prayer,  was  exhibited 
to  the  churches  and  corresponding  associations  :  viz  : 

"  The  scene  is  now  changed,  as  it  respects  our  once  liighly  favored 
country  !  While  there  is  but  little  or  no  mitigation  of  the  horrors 
which  have  attended  the  Europtan  nations,  the  cup  of  wrath  has  pass- 
ed the  Atlantic.  War  is  waving  her  bloody  banner  over  our  land, 
while  many  of  our  brothers  and  sons  ave  numbered  to  the  sword  •,  and 


I 


CHAP.  IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  141 

the  pestilence,  -which  walketh  in  darkness,  has,  within  the  two  last  years 
made  an  extensive  desolation  among  persons  of  both  sexes  and  all 
ages;  particularly  ministers  of  our  order.  Elders  Furman,  Osburn 
Whipple,  A.  Parmer,  Brewster,  Harris,  Oecutt,  King,  Ledoit,  W. 
Rathboxe,  Francis,  Atwell,  Winchell,  and  Waterman,  have  within 
twenty  months  past,  fallen  asleep  as  we  trust  in  Jesus.  On  the  sixth 
of  last  March,  our  much  esteemed  brother,  Elde^  Caleb  Blood,  who 
was  many  years  (about  20)  connected  with  this  association,  finished 
hid  course  ;  and  it  may  be  truly  said,  he  kept  the  faith  ;  and  although 
his  loss  is  lamented  by  thousands,  yet  we  have  reason  to  believe  he  is 
gone  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better  than  to  remain  in  this 
world  of  tribulation  and  adversity. 

"  We  have  been  visited  with  the  judgments  of  war  and  pestilence, 
with  which  God  was  pleased  in  ancient  times  to  chastise  sinful  and  idol- 
atrous nations ;  and  it  may  be  truly  said  as  it  was  of  Israel,  yet  have  ye 
not  returned  unto  me,salth  the  Lord.  Instead  of  repenting  and  return- 
ing unto  the  Lord,  the  inhabitants  in  general,  appear  to  be  left  to 
-hardness  of  heart,  and  to  have  their  minds  so  blinded,  as  not  suitably 
to  view  the  operations  of  the  Divine  hand.  It  ought  never  to  bo  for  - 
gotten,  that  while  we  have  formerly  enjoyed  temporal  blessings  to  the 
full,  God  was  pleased  to  pour  out  his  spirit  in  many  places, like  show- 
ers, on  the  mown  grass :  and  the  Saints  have  bee7i  made  to  sit  together,  hi 
heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus.  But  at  present  there  is  a  melancholy 
reverse,  in  most  of  our  churches.  The  spirit  of  the  world,  and  a  zeal 
lo  promote  worldly  policy,  have  in  a  great  measure  taken  place,  instead 
of  the  spirit  of  religion,  and  a  zeal  to  promote  the  all-glorious  kingdom 
of  Jesus  ;  and  while  "  the  whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness,"  the  love 
of  many  christains  has  waxen  cold. 

"  It  is  not  our  business,  as  messengers  of  the  churches,  or  ministers 
of  the  gospel,  to  enquire  into  the  political  causes,  which  involved  our 
nation  in  a  war  ;  but  it  is  our  duty,  as  creatures  accountable  to  God, 
and  christians  who  hope  for  eternal  life,  and  watchmen  placed  on 
Zion's  walls,  to  search /or  and  find  out  the  moral  causes,  which  have 
procured  the  divine  displeasure,  and  brought  upon  us  the  just  judg- 
ments of  a  righteous  God  for  such  evils  could  not  have  fallen  on  the 
nation,  if  the  Lord  had  not  sent  them.  Some  of'the  sins  of  Sodom 
were  pride,  fullness  of  bread,  and  abundance  of  idleness.  While  we 
have  enjoyed  fullness  of  bread,  pride  and  abundance  of  wickedness,  has 
overspread  our  land.  With  an  increase  of  wealth,  covetousness,  ex- 
tortion and  luxury  have  increased  :  and  that  sin  of  all  sins,Jsr.\iATnxms. 

7* 


142  SHAl'TSEURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1814 

has  risen  to  a  high  degree,  and  provoked  a  benevolent  God,  In  a  small 
measure,  to  lay  righteousness  to  the  line,  and  judgment  to  the  plum- 
met. 

"  There  is  also  a  spirit  of  discord  between  neighbor  and  neighbor  • 
and  brother  is  at  enmity  against  brother  ;  so  that  social  order  is  in  a 
great  measure,  interrupted  and  the  spirit  of  jealousy  cruel  as  the 
grave,  has  taken  the  place  of  the  spirit  of  benevolence  and  good  will 
in  society.  These  are  some  of  the  enormities  and  crying  sins  of  the 
land;  not  to  mention  the  great  prevalenceof  infidelity,  lying,  deception, 
hypocrisy,  profaneuess,  drunkenness,  and  a  general  disregard  of  religion, 
among  very  many  of  the  inhabitants,  of  this  laud  of  light  and  liberty, 
and  (till  of  late)  a  land  of  peace.  This  representation,  dismal  and 
dreadful  as  it  is,  we  do  not  thiuk  an  exaggeration.  If  not,  we  are  in 
more  danger,  from  ourselves  and  our  sins,  than  we  are  from  all  other 
enemies  on  earth.  How  far  those  who  profess  the  religion  of  Jesus,  are 
implicated,  we  do  not  pretend  to  say  :  but  should  any  of  the  professed 
subjects  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  instead  of  crying  fervently  to  the  God^ 
of  all  grace,  to  revive  his  work,  and  reform  the  nations,  and  avert  his 
'mpending  judgments ;  we  say,  instead  of  this,  should  they  arm  their 
tongues  with  invectives  against  their  neighbors,  fellow-citizens  and 
brethren,  and  suffer  their  hearts  to  burn  with  malicious  resent- 
ment against  others,  who  differ  from  them  in  opinion  iind  judgment; 
they  would  act  more  like  sons  of  Balial,  than  children  of  the  living 
God.  Such  conduct  is  contrary  to  the  holy  commandment,  to  love 
those  who  hate  us,  and  pray  for  those  who  despitefully  use  and  per- 
secute us. 

"  Brethren,  let  ua  enquire  what  God  requhes  of  us,  in  times  of 
such  general  calamity.  If  we  are  ministers,  he  calls  us  to  be  peace 
makers,  and  not  disturbers  of  the  peace.  If  we  are  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  he  calls  us  to  be  loatchmen,  and  to  give  the  trumpet  a  distinct 
sound.  Ministers  of  God  ought  to  plead  for  the  rights  of  God's  moral 
government,  and  the  gracious  government  of  the  Redeemer.  If  we 
are  redeemed  from  the  earth  and  divinely  enlightened,  we  ought  to 
be  the  light  of  the  world,  and  the  salt  of  the  earth.  As  we  are  citizens 
of  the  world,  we  ought  to  pray  for  the  downfall  of  mystical  Bahylon  ; 
that  Pagan  darkness  may  be  dispelled,  Mohometan  imposture  Lave  an 
end,  the  rage  of  the  mad  nations  be  restrained,  the  days  of  tribulation 
be  shortened,  and  the  nations  be  illuminated  from  the  rising  to  the 
setting  sun.  As  citizens  of  the  United  States,  pray  for  the  peace  and 
prosperit}' of  the  nation,  and  net  a  rational  and  candid  part,  in  promo- 


CHAP.  IV.]         FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  143 

ting  its  welfare  ;  for  in  the  peace  of  our  country  we  may  enjoy  peace. 
As  citizens  of  Zion,  pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem,  for  they  shall 
prosper  that  love  her ;  especially  that  an  all-gracious  God  will  pour 
out  his  spirit,  build  up  Zion,  and  appear  in  his  glory." 

The  decease  of  another  minister  of  the  association  was  this 
year  rung  upon  the  ears  of  the  church  in  the  following 
notice.  "  We  announce  to  the  churches,  the  death  of  the 
truly  pious- pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Pittsfield,  Elder 
John  Francis.  His  highest  encomiums  are,  an  ardent 
thirst  for  the  welfare  of  souls,  a  pious  grief  for  all  sin,  and 
an  unblemished  character.  Be  ye  followers  of  them,  who 
through yaiVA  and  patience  inherit  the  promises.'^  The  death 
of  Elder  Blood  is  also  noticed  at  length  in  a  printed  letter 
from  his  daughter  to  a  minister  of  the  body,  but  we  have 
not  room  for  its  insertion  here.* 

1815 
The  Thirty-fifth  Session  was  held  at  the  Neiotown  meet- 
ing house,  of  the  Clifton  Park  church  on  the  7th  and  8th 
days  of  June.  Elder  Isaac  Webb  preached  the  introducto- 
ry sermon  from  Prov.  18  ;  10.  "The  Name  of  the  Lord  is 
a  strong  tower  ;  the  righteous  runneth  into  it,  and  is  safe." 
Elder  Obed  Warren  was  chosen  Moderator ;  and  Elder 
Eli  Ball,  clerk.  There  was  35  churches  ;  23  ministers  (and 
2  unordained,  /.  Reach  and  NatKl  Otis)  reported  in  the 
body.  The  following  statistics  appear  also,  98  added  ;  88 
dismissed;  41  excluded;  27  died,  and  3,511  in  all  the 
churches.^  The  Albany  church,  added  8,  Berlin,  7  ;  Clifton 
Park,  17  ;  Nassau,  11  ;  and  Troy,  12  ;  which  were  the 
largest  accessions  to  individual  churches.  The  Missionary 
work  had  been  prosecuted  with  more  zeal  and  liberality, 
and  §5151,09  were  brought  in  to  its  funds,  at  this  session. 
Returns  of  missionary  labor  were  received  from  Elders  Cor- 
nell and  Ripley,  appointed  the  last  year  ;  and  from  Elders, 
St.  John  and  Andrews,  appointed  in  1813,  but  who  made 
no  report  last  year.  Elder  S.  Olmsted  was  also  commis- 
sioned for  a  three  months  tour  into  Canada.  At  this  Ses- 
sion the  claims  of  Foreign  Missions  upon  the  action  of  this 
Body,  seem  to  have  been  first  presented  to  them,  as  intima- 
ted in  the  following  record  on  page  9  of  minutes. 

*Soe  Biographical  notice  In  tlio  appendix. 


144  SHAFTSBtJRV  ASSOCIATION.  ■*  [1815 

"By  a  vote  of  the  missionary  Board  of  Trust,  the  church- 
es composing  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  are  informed,  that 
a  letter  was  sent  to  the  Association,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rice 
(agent  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  for  the  Uni- 
ted States)  accompanying  39  copies  of  the  reportof  the  Board 
in  Philadelphia,  but  the  contents  of  the  letter  was  disclosed 
too  late  for  the  association  to  act  upon  it.  The  object  of  the 
communication  appears  to  have  been  designed,  to  excite 
the  attention  of  the  churches  to  the  vast  importance  of  estab- 
lishing a  society  in  the  Association,  for  the  purpose  of  aid- 
ing, with  others,  in  foreign  missions.  The  churches  are  hereby 
requested  to  peruse  th"e  report  referred  to  above,  which  have 
been  distributed  in  most  of  the  churches,  and  in  that  way 
■which  shall  be  thought  best,  be  proposed  to  aid  in  this  lauda- 
ble institution,  against  next  session." 

The  cases  of  Aaron  Haynes,  and  the  2nd  church  in  Che- 
shire, occupied  the  attention  of  the  body  somewhat  during 
this  session.  Of  the  particulars  of  these  cases,  we  are  not 
informed  ;  but  the  following  action  is  recorded,  as  the  result 
of  the  deliberations  of  a  laige  committee  of  15  ministers  and 
3  other  brethren,  to  whom  these  matters  were  referred. 
[See  pages  6,  and  7  of  Minutes.] 

"  Received  and  adopted  the  following  reports  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  attend  to  some  business,  relative  to  Mr. 
Aaron  Haynes,  and  the  2nd  church  in  Cheshire,  (mentioned 
in  our  7th  article,)  viz  ; — First,  relative    to  Mr.   Haynes. 

^Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  a 
letter  be  addressed,  by  the  Association  to  the  Church  of 
Stamford,  stating  that  satisfactory  evidence  has  been  X'eceived 
that  Mr.  Aaron  Haynes  is  regularly  out  of  fellowship  ;  con- 
sequently consider  it  improper  that  said  church  should  retain 
him  as  their  minister  or  member  ;  and  further,  that  should 
said  church  continue  him  as  such,  under  these  circumstances, 
it  will  be  an  occasion  of  difficulty.'  '  With  reference  to  the 
2d  church  in  Cheshire,  tliis  committee  recommend  that  a 
faithful  and  affectionate  letter  be  written  to  said  church,  and 
a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  draft  said  letter." 

The  following  notice  was  inserted  in  the  minutes,  from  the 
minutes  of  the  Rensselaerville  Association.  "We  would  by 
these,  ream  our  churches  against  the  imposition  of  a  man 
travelling  under  the  profession  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  of 


CHAP.  IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  145 

the  Baptist  denomination,  by  the  name  of  Joseph  Smith. 
He  is  a  person  of  middle  stature,  and  size,  dark  complexion, 
black  hair  and  eyes, — harsh  and  stammering  voice, — says 
his  native  place  is  Barnstable  on  Cape  Cod.  When  detected 
appears  very  passionate ;  has  two  wives  ;  is  travelling  now 
in  the  EasterniStates.  We  request  our  sister  Associations 
to  notice  him  in  their  minutes."  Thus,  we  see,  our  fathers 
could  not  hear  those  that  were  evil. 

The  circular  and  corresponding  letter  was  by  Elder  Eli 
Ball,  on  the  "Causes  of  the  differences  among  our  churches, 
in  doctrine,  discipline  and  worship ;" — which  arises  from 
want  of  Bible  knowledge  or  a  correct  understanding  of  the 
Bible  on  these  subjects.  Sermons  were  preached  during 
this  session  by  Elders  Elijah  Herrick,  of  the  Rensselaerville 
Association  "from  Isa.  63  :  1.  Asahel  Morse  of  the  Hart- 
ford Association,  Conn.,  from  1  Peter  2 ;  4 ;  and  by  Elder 
Elon  Galusha,  of  Shaftsbury,  4th  church,  from  2  Cor.  5  ; 
20.  This  latter  brother,  a  son  of  Governor  Galusha  of 
Vermont,  had  just  been  invested  with  the  robes  of  the  min- 
isterial office,  to  which  he  most  solemnly  dedicated  himself 
.  on  the  day  of  his  ordination,  as  stated  in  the  following  notice 
of  it.* 

How  well  this  expectation  has  now  been  fulfilled  in  a 
ministry  of  nearly  40  years,  the  history  of  several  churches 
in  Western  N.  Y.,  to  which  he  has  ministered,  and  the  flour- 
ishing condition  of  our  educational  interests  as  a  denomina- 
tion, which  he  ever  labored  to  promote,  might  testify.  But 
he  still  lives,  and  we  forbear. 

1816, 
The  Thirt3'--sixth   Anniversary  of  this  Body  was  held  at 
Sandisjield,  Mass.,  with  Elder  Jesse  Hartwell's  people,  this 

*"  Ordained  at  Shaftsbury,  Vt,  on  the  15th  of  June  last,  Rev.  Elon  Galusha 
(son  of  the  Hon.  Jonas  Galusha,')  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministiy.  The  sermon 
was  delivere'd  by  Elder  Edward  Barber,  from  2  Tim.  4:  2; — "  Preach  the  word." 
Elder  Calytn'  Chamberlain,  (of  Mancbester,  Vt.,)  offered  the  consecrating  prayer; 
Elder  Obed  Warren  gave  the  charge: — and  Elder  Isaiah  Mattison  gave  the  hand 
of  fellowship.  The  sermon  it  is  said,  was  excellent,  and  indeed,  that  the  whole  of 
the  serviees  were  solemn  and  animating  beyond  former  example. 

"It  is  mentioned,  that  at  the  commencement  of  the  service.  Brother  Galusha,  in 
the  presence  of  a  vast  assembly,  "most  so  emnly  dedicated  himself  to  God  in  the 
worli  of  the  gospel  miai^try."  This  proceedure  in  a  youth  of  such  unassuming 
modesty  and  talents  as  Mr.  Galusha,  although  somewhat  novel,  must  have  been 
peculiarly  interesting  and  impressive.  We  would  most  devoutly  hope,  that  the 
high  expectations  whi".h  li.ave  been  excited  by  the  solemn  transactions  of  this  day 
may  bo  fully  realized  in  the  eminent  usefulness  of  this  young  minister."  Bee  the 
Mass.  Bap.  Missionary  Magazine,  Vol.  4,  Page  95,  June,  1S14. 


146  SHAPTSBURV  ASSOCIATION.  [181u 

year,  June  5th  and  6th,  for  the  Jirsi  and  only  time  it  ever 
assembled  in  that  place,  being  at  the  extreme  south  east 
limit  of  its  territory.  But  it  was  very  well  attended,  more 
than  sixti/  delegates  from  all  the  churches,  being  present,  of 
whom  11  were  ministering  brethren,  beside  visiting  dele- 
gates from  corresponding  bodies  ;  some  8  or  10  more  minis- 
ters— making  a  large  gathering  in  that  mountain  locality. 

The  opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  I.  Mattison 
from  1  Oor.  15  :  58.  "  Therefore,  my  beloved  Brethren,  be 
ye  steadfast,  immovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  for  as  much  as  ye  know  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord."  Both  Elders  Wajland  and  Lahatt  who  had  been 
appointed  to  preach,  were  absent,  and  the  lot  was  thus  de- 
volved on  one  who  had  performed  this  duty  in  his  own  order, 
only  four  years  before.  Elder  Webb  was  chosen  Modera- 
tor, and  Elder  Ball,  Clerk.  This  session  was  rendered  in- 
teresting by  the  account  of  several  revivals  among  the 
churches,  after  years  of  comparative  dearth.  There  had 
been  added  to  the  Albany  church,  during  the  year,  27  ;  to 
the  Clifton  Park,  18  ;  to  the  Stephentown,  8  ;  to  the  Savoy, 
13  ;  to  the  Troy,  71  ;  and  to  Sandisfield,  29  ;  also  to  Scho- 
dack,  9.  The  whole  number  of  churches  in  the  minutes  of 
this  year  is  35.  Of  ministers,  23  ordained,  and  2  lico7iti- 
ates.  Added  to  all  the  churches,  226  ;  dismissed,  59;  ex- 
cluded, 38  ;  died,  39  ;  and  a  total  of  3,573  members.  The 
greatest  revival  of  the  year  was  in  the  Baptist  church  in 
Troy,  under  the  care  of  Elder  Wayland.  An  account  of 
this  work  from  his  pen,  is  here  subjoined,  in  a  letter  to  Dr. 
Baldwin,  Editor  of  the  Mass.  Baptist  Miss.  Magazine,  ''  da- 
ted Troy,  N.  Y.,  May  25,  1816. 
"  Dear  Brother, 

"  If  my  recollection  now  serves  me,  it  was  some  time  in  January 
last,  that  I  called  on  a  Br.  T.'s  family  on  a  parochial  visit,  and  soon 
after  sister  T.  informed  me  that  her  daughter  Phebe,  who  is  about  8 
years  of  age,  had  some  good  news  to  tell  me,  relative  to  the  work  of 
grace  begun  in  her  soul.  On  request  she  proceeded  to  relate  her 
past  and  present  exercises  of  mind  ;  and  truly  they  were  astonishing 
and  very  satisfactory.  Shortly  after  this,  the  next  oldest  daughter 
of  11  years  of  age,  was  brought  to  obtain  a  good  hope  through  grace. 
Immediately  after,  the  sister  next  oldest,  was  brought  to  taste  that 
the  Lord  was  gracious.     About  this  time  also,  a  young  girl,  who  lived 


CHAP.  IV. J  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  147 

in  the  family,  obt:iined  a  hope.  All /owr  appeared  truly  happy  in 
the  Lord  ;  and  prayer  and  praise  became  their  employment  and  de- 
light. I  scarce  ever  saw  a  more  happy  family.  The  youngest  waa 
led  into  a  very  deep  and  affecting  sense  of  sin.  Her  expressions  of 
regret,  for  the  magnitude  and  number  of  her  sins,  were  the  means  of 
bringing  a  number  to  a  serious  stand.  "Why,"  said  shf,  "I have 
been  a  sinner  against  a  good  God,  for  eight  long  years.  Many  were 
led  to  consider  what  great  sinners  they  must  have  been,  when  a  child 
of  8  years,  thus  expressed  herself. 

"  These  circumstances  were  soon  known,  and  seemed  to  produce  a 
general  seriousness  and  attention,  throughout  the  city.  Our  weekly 
prayer  meeting  had  hitherto  been  held  in  a  small  school  room,  and 
but  thinly  attended.  The  school  room  immediately  became  crowded, 
and  insufficient  to  hold  the  number  that  attended.  It  was  found 
necessary  to  remove  it  to  the  meeting  house.  The  effects  of  this  at- 
tention, became  daily  more  visible.  Numbers  were  led  to  lament 
over  their  sins,  and,  as  we  would  fondly  hope,  repent  after  a  godly 
sort.  The  cry  "  What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ?"  and  still  more  joyful 
exclamation,  "  Come  hither,  all  ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  and  I  will  tell 
you  what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul,"  wasdaily  heard  from  new-born 
souls.  The  attention  to  the  word  was  solemn  and  pleasing.  The 
people  appeared  to  hear  as  for  eternity  ;  and  the  number  of  cases 
of  conviction  and  conversion  daily  increased. 

"On  the  first  Lord's  day  in  April,  brother  Maclay  from  New  York, 
assisted  me  in  baptizing  tliirty-nine  persons  ;  and  on  the  first  Lord's 
Day  of  this  month,  I  baptized  15  more,  among  ibem  an  old  gentle- 
man aged  74.  I  need  scarcely  mention,  that,  like  Samaria  of  the  old, 
when  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  work,  "  there  was  great  joy  in  this  city." 
Believers  were  made  to  rejoice,  and  infidelity,  in  a  great  measure, 
constrained  to  stop  her  mouth. 

"  I  might  have  mentioned,  that,  in  the  winter  before  the  reforma- 
tion began,  there  was  a  more  than  usual  seriousness  on  the  minds  of 
the  people.  By  persons  of  fashion,  it  was  styled  an  unusually  dull 
winter.  Balls,  parties,  &c.,  were  more  rare,  and  more  thinly  attend- 
ed than  formerly.  The  same  thing  is  mentioned  in  President  Ed- 
wards' narrative  of  the  reformation  in  New  England."*  God  has  been 
pleased  to  restrain  the  passions  so  tliat  there  has  been  but  little  op- 
position, aad  less  persecution  than  might  have  been  expected.  The 
work  in  this  place  has  been  attended  by  none  of  those  surprising  in- 

*  See  Pres.  Edwards'  K.irrntivo  of  siirprisinsr  conversions  :  pages  10,  H.  Co>rpri-FTt. 


148  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [181G 

terpositioas  of  providence,  wliieli,  elsewhere  have  been  noticed.  To 
us,  as  to  the  prophet  of  old,  the  Lord  appeared,  neither  in  the  whirl-' 
wind,  earthquake,  nor  fire ;  but  in  the  still  small  voice.  The  Lord, 
as  usual,  has  not  confined  himself  solely  to  the  ministry  of  the  word 
in  dispensing  his  blessings  ;  but,  like  a  sovereign,  has  made  use  of  all 
the  various  means  of  his  own  appointment.  Li  this  case,  as  in  every 
other,  he  has  wrought  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  secure  all  the  honor  to 
himself. 

"  The  present  pastor,  Mr.  Somers,-  (a  young  gentlenifin  from  Dr. 
Stoughton's  school,)  who  lately  arrived,  immediately  commenced  his 
pastoral  functions.  I  am  not  therefore,  so  well  qualified  to  give  au 
account  of  the  progress  of  the  work,  since  that  time.  If  I  am  cor- 
rectly informed,  it  is  considered,  as  rather  on  the  decline.  The  Loi'd, 
however,  is  able  to  revive  and  continue  it. 

"  It  is  my  happiness  to  inform  you,  that  other  denominations  have 
shared  largely  in  the  outpouring  of  the  spirit.  The  Presbyterians  re- 
ceived at  their  last  communion,  nearly  lOO.  And  the  Methodists 
about  the  same  number.  With  the  state  of  the  Episcopal  church,  I 
am  not  sufficiently  informed,  to  give  information.  The  Lord  has  vis- 
ted  the  Baptist  church  at  Greenwich,  a  few  miles  from  us,  with  a  re- 
markable outpouring  of  his  Spirit.*  In  Lansingburgh,  I  am  informed 
there  has  been  of  late,  a  very  considerable  attention  to  the  word.  In 
Greenbush,  the  Dutch  Reformed  church,  under  tlie  Rev.  Mr.  Wester- 
velt,  has  experienced  a  very  refreshing  shower  of  Divine  Grace.  In 
the  factory,  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  our  city,  numbers  have 
been  lately  called  out  of  darkness,  into  God's  mofct  marvellous  light 
Among  the  number,  hopefully  converted,  as  above  stated,  the  youth 
have  shared  largely.  Thus  it  appears,  that  the  Lord  lias  done,  and 
is  still  doing  great  things  for  Zion.  O  that  it  might  excite  in  my 
heart,  more  gratitude  and  praise. 

"  Your's  in  gospel  bonds,  Fkancis  Wayland." 

Thus  did  God  visit  his  people  with  mercy,  in  the  city  of 
Troy,  and  other  places,  during  the  years  1816  and  1817,  as 
the  returns  of  another  year  will  show.  So  great  was  tlie 
enlargement  of  this  church  by  this  revival  of  religion,  that 
it  increased  from  62  members  reported  in  June,  1815,  until 

*  This  was  Elder  Barber's  cburcli,  to  which  228  were  added  by  Baptism,  In  the 
course  of  sis  months,  from  Jan.  to  July,  181C.  An  account  of  this  great  work  from 
Elder  Barber's  pen,  is  printed  in  the  Mass.  Bap.  Miss.  Mag.,  vol.  iv.,  pages  356-8. 
[9e<f  also  Appendix.    Sketch  of  Elder  Barber.] 


CHAP.  IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  149 

it  was  permitted  to  report  a  total  of  230,  to  the  Hudson 
Kiver  Association,  in  August,  1817;  being  an  enlargement 
of  138  in  two  years,  of  whom  about  130  had  been  added  by 
Baptism.  Truly,  the  Lord  did  great  things  for  his  people 
there,  in  those  days,  whereof  the  present  generation  may 
■well  be  glad  ;  as  well  as  for  the  many  tokens  of  his  favor  to 
them  since.  And  as  the  Albany  church  was  dismissed  this 
session,  it  may  be  well  to  say  they  went  away  with  a  total 
of  90,  of  whom  27  had  been  recently  added  to  the  church. 

The  missionary  funds  in  the  Association  increased  to  a 
very  handsome  sum,  as  the  following  record  shows.  "  The 
Trustees  of  the  Northern  Nev/  York  Baptist  Missionary 
Society  respectfully  present  their  annual  report  :  At  the 
meeting  of  the  Board  this  session,  there  was  remaining  in  the 
Treasury  $100,64.  Received  from  districts,  churches  and  in- 
dividuals Sl56,58  ;  making  an  aggregate  of  S257,22  now  in 
the  treasury.  In  addition  to  the  appointment  made  last  year, 
by  the  Board,  the  sub-committee,  viz  :  Brethren  Wayland, 
Ball  and  Hinman,  appointed  Br.  Peter  Brown,  to  accom- 
]x\ny  Elder  Olmstead  on  his  tour  to  Canada,  and  assist 
him  in  any  way  that  duty  might  call ;  for  which  they  al- 
lowed him  Ten  dollars.  Returns  were  received  from  Br. 
Olmstead.  The  encouragement  with  which  he  met  in  Can- 
ada, and  the  success  attending  his  labors,  fully  convince  your 
committee  of  the  utility  of  missionary  labors,  and  stimulate 
them  to  further  exertions.  In  order  to  dispose  of  the 
money,  which  a  liberal  public  has  put  into  the  treasury, 
your  committee  have  appointed  a  sub-committee  of  the  fol- 
lowing, viz  :  Brethren  Lahatt,  Wayland,  Ball,  Covell, 
and  Plinman,  to  make  such  appointments  as  they,  in  their 
judgment  shall  think  best. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee, 

Eli  Ball,  OlerTcr 

There  was  preaching  in  the  morning  of  Thursday  by  the 
venerable  Elder  Hull,  from  Dent.  33  :  29.  "■Happy  art  thou, 
0  Israel ;  xolio  is  like  unto  thee,  0  people  saved  by  the  Lord, 
^c."  The  difliculties  with  the  2d  church  in  Cheshire,  were 
dropped  for  the  present.  Thi-ee  churches,  by  their  request, 
were  dismissed  at  this  session  ;  the  1st  Shaftsbury,  and  the 
churches  in  Troy  and  Albany;  which  last  two,  joined  the 


150  SnAFTSBTJRY  ASSOCIATION.  [1817 

Hudson  River  Association  ;  and  the  former  remained  unas- 
sociated  till  1819,  when  it  again  returned  to  the  body.  The 
Circular  and  Corresponding  Letter  of  this  year  was  by  Eld- 
er E.  F.  Willey  of  North  Adams,  and  is  a  very  good  pro- 
duction, "  On  the  more  hopeful  aspect  of  the  times."  But 
we  must  not  allovv  ourselves  to  make  extracts  even,  from 
this  excellent  letter. 

This  session  was  marked  v/ith  a  spirit  of  union  and  har- 
mony' among  the  churches,  as  stated  in  the  circular  ;  and 
from  it  the  brethren  returned  to  their  several  liomes  and 
churches,  refreshed  and  strengthened  for  the  toils  of  anoth- 
er years's  service  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  ;  and  which 
proved  a  time  of  ingathering  in  many  of  the  churches. 

1817. 

The  Thirty-seventh  Anniversary  was  held  at  Stephen- 
town,  with  Elder  Julius  Beeraan's  church ;  once  the  2d 
church,  under  Elder  Robert  Nile's  care.  The  opening  dis- 
course on  Wednesday  at  10  A.  M.,  June  4th,  was  preached 
by  Elder  Silas  Spalding,  from  2  Thess.  2:  10.  "Because 
they  received  not  the  love  of  the  truth,  that  they  might  be 
sav^d."  Elder  Abi.iah  Peck,  was  Moderator  ;  and  Elder 
E.  F.  Willey,  of  Lansingburgh,  was  Clerk  at  this  session. 

The  churches  had  been  favored  with  accessions,  many  of 
them,  to  their  numbers  :  and  some  had  received  large  show- 
ers of  grace,  upon  their  thirsty  Zion  hills.  In  two  several 
tracts  of  country,  each  embracing  a  number  of  churches,  an 
extensive  work  had  prevailed,  that  added  hundreds  to  the 
Lord  and  his  people.  One  ot  these  tracts  embraced  the 
territory  of  the  2d  and  3d  Canaan,  the  1st  and  2d  Hillsdale, 
and  the  Egremont  churches ;  lying  in  towns  adjacent  to 
each  other  in  a  continuous  line  of  15  to  20  miles;  from  the 
south  east  to  the  north  west.  In  these  churches  the  acces- 
sions were  as  follows  :  To  the  2d  Canaan,  Elder  Nathaniel 
Otis,  39  were  added;  3d  Canaan,  Elder  Henry  Palmer,  IG; 
East  Hillsdale,  Elder  Abel  Brown,  66 ;  West  Hillsdale,  no 
Pastor,  14  ;  while  to  the  Egi'emont  church,  under  the 
Pastoral  car6  of  Elder  Daniel  Sherwood,  the  uncommon 
number  of  109  were  added  in  a  single  year;  making  244 
added  to  these  jive  churches  alone,  in  one  general  spreading 
word  of  grace.     It  was  a  time  of  great  joy  among  God's 


ill     CHAP.  IV.  1  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  151 

,  1      . I 

people  in  these  churches,  none  of  which  had  been  large  ;  but 
through  the  favor  of  God,  each  were  much  strengthened  in 
numbers,  gifts  and  graces.  The  other  tract  of  country,  allu- 
ded to,  embraced  the  three  towns  of  Schodack,  Nassau  and 
Stephentown,  extending  east  from  the  Hudson  River  to  the 
line  of  the  State,  some  15  or  20  miles  also.  In  Schodack, 
under  Elder  S.  Olmstead,  of  long  standing  there,  21  had 
been  added  to  the  Baptist  church  :  in  Nassau,  without  a 
Pastor,  {Erastus  Doty  and  John  Harris,  being  licentiates 
among  them)  27  had  been  gathered  to  the  visible  church  ; 
while  in  Stephentoivn,  under  Elder  Julius  Beeman,  and 
Elnathan  Sweet,  a  licentiate,  118  trophies  of  victorious  grace 
had  been  brought  into  the  camp  of  Jesus,  and  professed 
their  allegiance  to  him,  as  their  lawful  sovereign  and  king. 
This  was  a  great  work,  and  the  largest  by  far,  of  any  acces- 
sion to  that  church  since  its  organization  ;  raising  its  number 
to  193.  To  these  three  churches,  165  had  been  added  in 
one  year.  Besides,  there  had  been  added  to  the  Oamlridge 
or  White  Creek  church,  as  it  then  began  to  be  called;  under 
the  care  of  their  new  Pastor,  Elder  Daniel  Tinkham,  27  ; 
to  Clifton  Park,  Elders  A.  Peck,  and  Wm.  Groom,  19  ;  to 
Lansinghurgh,  Elder  E.  F.  VVilley,  11  ;  and  to  4th  Shafts- 
hury  and  West  Stockhridge  churches,  7  each. 

The  statistics  of  the  body  as  reported  in  the  minutes, 
were  ;  of  churches,  32  ;  ordained  ministers,  21  ;  unordained, 
3  ;  added,  510;  dismissed,  61  ;  excluded,  34;  died  29  ;  with 
a  total  of  3,563  members  in  fellowship.  The  2d  church  ia 
Cheshire,  at  the  request  of  its  messengei'S,  was  dropped  from 
the  Association  this  year.  And  the  following  entry  upon 
page  7th  of  the  minutes,  may  deserve  a  record  here,  as  an 
explana  ion  of  the  above  request,  because  its  object  was  then 
a  member  of  that  church,  or  was  held  in  general  fellowship 
among  them  ;  though  a  minority  that  held  an  influence  in  the 
Association,  had  been  the  active  occasion  of  the  troubles 
about  the  2d  Cheshire  church,  for  several  years.  The  entry 
referred  to,  is  as  follows:  "i/e?«  17.  A  certain  schedule 
of  articles  of  belief,  dated  at  Cheshire,  August  22d,  1811, 
signed  John  Leland,  being  presented  by  the  messengers  of 
the  Leyden  Association,  who  desired  to  know  if  we  held  in 
our  fellowship,  a  public  character,  or  church,  that  embraced 
such  sentiment?  :    Voted,  unanimously,  that  this  Association  ' 


152  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1817 

bold  fellowship  with  no  man  or  church,  embracing  or  coun- 
tenancing such  sentiments  as  contained  in  the  paper  then 
presented." 

What  said  paper  was,  and  how  it  was  originated,  is  given 
in  Elder  Lcland's  works,  Pages  59,  and  60,  the  substance 
of  which,  is  as  follows.  In  the  settlement  of  Elder  Covell 
in  180G,  in  Cheshire,  some  dilHculties  had  been  originated 
by  the  hasty  action  of  the  committee  who  engaged  him,  that 
lasted  for  a  whole  generation,  or  till  1834,  when  by  the 
careful  management  of  Elder  Leland  the  breach  was  healed, 
and  a  peace  secured  on  permanent  gi'ounds  so  that  the  par- 
ties from  two  rival  churches  of  some  years  standing  were 
blended  into  one  church  again.  But  during  the  progress  of 
these  trials  the  \var  waxed  so  hot  among  the  partisans,  that, 
as  the  Editress  of  Leland's  Works  expresses  it. 

"Both  church  and  society  seemed  to  regret,  seriously,  the 
hurrying  spirit  that  had  set  them  at  variance.  Not  so  with 
a  few  leaders  of  the  opposite  party.  "Recantation  or  ex- 
communication." were  their  terms;  and  strange  as  it  may 
seem,  acquainted  as  they  were  with  Elder  Leland,  they  ap- 
plied to  him  for  help  to  carry  out  their  plans.  Owing  no 
ill  will  to  either  party,  his  answer  was  such  as  might  have 
been  anticipated.  He  thought,  a  little  forbeai'ance,  on  their 
part,  might  have  saved  all  the  trouble  ;  and  hinted,  that,  by 
some  recantation  from  them,  the  church  might  still  be  kept 
together.  Disappointed  in  their  favorite  plans,  smarting 
under  the  loss  of  property'',  their  fond  hopes  in  the  grave, 
they  were  not  a  little  chagrined  at  receiving  a  slight  rebuke 
■where  they  expected  much  assistance.  They  did  not  how- 
ever, proceed  immediately  to  extremities  ;  but  after  con- 
versing with  members  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  un- 
friendly in  their  views  to  Elder  Leland,  (of  whom  mention 
has  already  been  made,)  the}'  determined  to  apply  to  him, 
as  friends,  and,  pretending  ignorauce  on  the  subject,  to  draw 
from  him  an  expression  of  his  views  respecting  church  dis- 
cipline, communion,  &c.  He  freely  made  a  statement,  and 
at  their  request,  committed  it  to  writing.  This  paper  has 
long  been  before  the  religious  w^orld,  but  as  there  may  be 
many,  who  have  never  seen  it,  and  who  have  but  vague  and 
indefinite,  if  not  incorrect  ideas  of  what  Elder  Leland's 
views  were ;  a  copy  of  it  is  here  subjoined,  taken  from  the 


CHAP.  IV.]         FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  153 

original  on  file."*  Such  is  the  history  of  its  origin  in  the 
words  of  the  Editress  of  his  Works,  his  own  grand-daughter, 
Miss  Greene.  And  as  an  explanation  of  the  difficulties  in 
the  Association  for  a  number  of  years,  about  the  Cheshire 
Church,  we  have  thought  it  worth  while  to  here  insert,  her 
account  of  the  matter ;  and  copy  the  before-mentioned  arti- 
cles of  belief,  as  follows  : 

"  1.  I  have  no  doubt  about  the  necessity  of  internal  religion,  nor  of 
the  great  advantage  of  social  worship,  to  preach,  pray,  and  praise. 

"  2.  Some  doubts  have  ever  been  in  my  mind,  whether  the  advan 
tage  of  what  is  called  church  order,  more  than  compensates  for  the 
disadvantages.  It  is  uppermost,  in  my  mind,  however,  that  good 
church  order  is  scriptural. 

"  3.  I  lodge  no  complaint  against  communing  with  bread  and  "wine 
but  for  myself,  from  more  than  thirty  years  experiment,  I  have  had 
no  evidence  that  the  bread  and  wine,  ever  assisted  my  faith  to  discern 
the  Lord's  body.  I  have  never  felt  guilty,  for  not  communing,  but 
often  for  doing  it.  I  have  known  no  instance  that  God  evidently 
blessed  the  ordinance  for  the  conversion  of  sinners,  which  often  at- 
tends preaching,  praying,  singing,  and  baptising. 

"4.  Putting  all  together,  the  best  conclusion  that  lean  form,  is, 
that  church  labor,  and  breaking  bread,  is  what  the  Lord  does  not  place 
on  me,  any  more  than  he  did  baptising  on  Paul. 

"  5.  If  the  church  can  bear  with  me,  while  I  possess  these  feelings, 
and  let  me  do  what  I  have  faith  and  confidence  in,  (which  will  be  but 
a  little  while,  for  there  is  nothing  left  but  a  stump,)  I  shall  be  glad. 
Whenever  I  think  I  can  do  good,  or  get  good,  I  will  attend  church 
meeting,  and  whenever,  the  doubts  of  my  mind  are  removed  I  will 
commune. 

"  6.  If  the  church  cannot  bear  thus  with  me,  I  wish  them  to  give 
me  a  letter  of  dismission,  such  a  letter  as  they  can. 

"  "7.  If  such  a  letter  cannot  be  given,  consistently  with  the  order 
and  dignity  of  the  church,  I  suppose  excommunication  must  follow 
of  course. 

"Cheshiue,  August  22,  1811,  John  Leland." 

"  P.  S.  This  is  a  compendium  of  what  I  stated  last  church  meeting 
and  is  here  written  on  your  request.  Let  no  man  follow  me  where 
I  do  not  foUow  Christ.  J.  L. 

How  much  harm  is  sometimes  done,  by  the  eccentricities 
and  errors  of  great  and  good  men,  unwittingly  perhaps  by 
*Se«  Leland's  "Works,  Pages  59,  60. 


164  8HAFTSBIIRY  ASSOCIATION.  1817] 

them  also  !  As  historians  we  have  given  these  facts,  be- 
cause the  doings  of  the  Association  were  influenced  by  them 
several  years,  and  these  facts  give  a  clue  to  the  right  under- 
standing of  that  action.  Whether  in  every  respect,  the 
Association  acted  wisely  in  their  efforts  to  promote  peace 
amung  the  Cheshire  Brethren,  and  preserve  their  connection 
with  the  Body,  may  admit  of  a  doubt.  But  that  the  senti- 
ments of  Elder  Leland,  as  embodied  in  the  schedule  of  Aug. 
22,  1811,  are  not  according  to  sound  Scripture  doctrine,  we 
think  no  Baptist  of  this  day,  has  the  least  doubt.  They 
virtually  nullify  the  ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  by  the 
autliority  of  his  feelings,  as  much  as  the  Quakers  do,  both 
the  ordinances  of  Christ's  house,  by  their  conscientious  scru' 
pies  oi  all  external  ordinances,  save  a»broad  hat,  and  a  drab 
coat.  And  so  of  church  order,  he  says,  "whenever  I  think 
I  can  do  good,  or  get  good,  I  will  attend  church  meeting.'''' 
Let  but  a  cold  hearted,  or  captious  member  of  the  church 
have  the  example  of  such  a  man  for  his  excuse  ;  and  a 
church  would  labor  in  vain,  to  recover  to  neglected  duty, 
that  member,  however  widely  departed  from  the  footsteps 
of  Christ's  flock.  Tiiere  would  be  an  end  of  all  church 
order  ;  and  discipline  in  God's  house  would  be  a  misnomer. 
It  may  be  true  tliat  we  are  each  to  attend  church  meeting, 
and  do  other  duties,  as  we  think  we  can  dc  good,  or  get  good, 
or  not ;  but  it  is  equally  true  of  the  church,  that  they  may  not 
retain  such  members  in  their  connexion  and  fellowship. 
While  we  esteem  the  talent  and  usefalness  of  the  departed 
Leland,  we  trust,  according  to  all  its  worth  in  his  day ;  we 
are  among  those  that  have  occasion,  from  personal  observa- 
tion upon  the  field  of  that  usefulness,  at  least  in  Berkshire 
Co.,  Mass.,  to  lament  the  blighting  effects  of  some  of  his  pe- 
culiar sentiments  and  practices.  But  the  churches  of  that  re- 
gion are  fast  out-growing  the  influence  of  those  peculiarities, 
and  becoming  strong  and  efficient  auxiliaries  in  the  spread  of 
Gospel  truth  and  ordinances,  at  home  and  abroad.  The  2d 
Cheshire  church,  however,  has  never  again  belonged  to  any 
Association,  we  believe. 

The  missionary  concerns  of  the  Body  are  exhibited  for 
the  year,  in  the  brief  report  that  follows  : 

"  The  society  have  employed,  during  the  last  year,  the 
Kev.  Charles  Lahatt  and  Joseph  Cornell,  as  their  Mission- 


CHAl'.   IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  155 

aries,  whose  returns  are  highly  gratifying  to  the  society. 
It  appears  that  God  was  with  thena.  Many  were  made  to 
hear  the  word,  who  had  never  before  heard  the  gospel ;  and 
some,  we  trust,  are  brought  to  the  saving  knowledge  of 
Jesus  our  Saviour.  Twenty-one  were  baptised.  We  ear- 
nestly solicit  your  aid  in  this  glorious  work.  Paid  into  the 
treasury  at  this  anniversary  [from  several  churches  and  so- 
cieties,] SG8.79.* 

Elijah  F.  Willet,  Secretary" 

The  cause  of  Foreign  Missions  also,  was  taking  a  deeper 
hold  of  the  hearts  of  the  Brethren,  as  the  following  votes 
testify : 

"  19,  Besolved,  that  we  recommend  to  the  churches  in 
this  association,  to  take  as  many  of  the  Baptist  Missionary 
Magazine,  as  may  be  convenient." 

"  20.  Having  received  a  communication  from  the  Bap- 
tist Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  by  Elder  John  M.  Peck  ; 
Voted,  that  we  cordially  approve  of  the  Missionary  spirit 
manifested  by  the  Board  and  their  agents." 

"21.  Voted,  That  we  open  a  correspondence  with  the 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  at  Philadelphia  ;  and  that  Elder 
Willey  be  standing  Secretary  of  correspondence  for  this  as- 
sociation." 

The  question  having  been  raised  in  the  association,  for  its 
opinion  on  the  subject  of  re-ordaining  a  minister  over  a 
new  pastoral  charge,  the  following  expression  is  recorded : 
"  Voted,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  association,  that  a  person 
needs  no  new  ordination,  or  installation,  in  order  to  become 
a  stated  minister  in  any  church  of  our  denomination,  who 
has  once  been  ordained  according  to  the  Gospel,  in  any  one 
church  of  the  same." 

The  Circular  and  Corresponding  Letters  for  thia  year, 
were  from  the  pen  of  Elder  E.  F.  Willey,  "  On  the  duty  of 
encouraging  young  men  in  their  preparatory  studies  for  the 
ministry,  and  of  supporting  pastors,  so  they  may  devote 
themselves  wholly  to  their  work." 

The  following  table  of  the  corresponding  associations  may 
be  of  interest,  and  we  insert  it,  to  show  the  strength  of  the 
several  btdies  at  that  date,  in  the  number  of  churches  and 
members : 

*  Elder  Chas.  G.  Somers  preached  a  missionary  sermon  from  1  Cor,  1 ;  21,  and  a 
collection  of  $37.36  -was  takeB  for  the  spread  of  the  GoapeL 


15G 


SllAFTSllURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[181- 


Associations. 

Messengees  &.  Minutes. 

roK 

WHAT 
\"BAE. 

No.  OF 
Cun'B. 

No.  OF  Mem, 

I'hiladelphia, 

Eld.  J.  M.  Peck,  and  min- 

utes for 

1816 

24 

2597 

Warren, 

1S16 

40 

4550 

Kcw-York, 

1814 

26 

1970 

Otsec/n, 

Elder  Elon  Qalcsha, 

181G 

32 

1854 

Hartford) 

A.  Morse, 

1816 

26 

2136 

Leydon, 

Elds.   Hubbard,  Witheu- 

ELL,  and  E.ICE, 

1815 

26 

1282 

Rensselaerville, 

1810 

17 

1378 

Vayuga, 

1814 

20 

2427 

Storming  ton-, 

Deacon  John  Newton, 

1815 

24 

3027 

Vermont, 

1815 

22 

1836 

Woodstock, 

1814 

25 

1802 

BoHton, 

1816 

32 

2203 

Saratoga, 

Minutes  by  Eld.  Cornell, 

1816 

24 

2167 

Westjield, 

Minutes  by  Dea.  J.  New- 
ton, 

1816 

9 

768 

Black  River, 

1815 

12 

494 

Hudson  River. 

1816 

6 

365 

988 

16  Associations. 

31,459 

Thus  was  this  body  in  correspondence  at  this  time,  with 
more  than  360  churches  of  our  faith  and  order,  embracing 
in  the  16  associations,  a  membership  of  more  than  31,000  ; 
and  to  several  of  these  associations  the  Shaftsburj  had  con- 
tributed a  large  number  of  her  valuable  churches  and  pas- 
tors, and  members  also  ;  and  upon  all  of  them,  but  the  Phil- 
adelphia and  Warren,  she  might  look  as  her  younger  sisters 
in  the  growing  Baptist  family  in  the  land.  But  what  had 
been  her  loss,  she  rejoiced  to  see  their  gain,  as  the  cause  is 
one  in  the  whole  land,  and  indeed  throughout  the  world. 
1818. 

The  Thirty-eighth  Session  was  held  at  Shaftsbury,  with 
the  4th  or  centre  church,  on  "Wednesday  and  Thursday,  June 
3rd  and  4th,  as  appointed,  and  the  opening  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  E.  F.  Willey.  Elder  Jos.  Cornell, 
a  visiting  minister  and  messenger  from  Galway  2d  church, 
Saratoga  county,  was  chosen  Moderator  ;  and  Elder  Wil- 
ley, clerk.  One  church,  the  Talbot  Street,  in  Upper  Cana- 
da, was  received  this  session,  having  only  19  members.* 

*  Tlie  1st  Clieshire  cliurcli,  by  their  request  n;is  dropped  from  the  miuutes. 


CHAP,  iv.]  ifotj:rth  ten  years,  157 

The  Virhole  association  embraced  30  churches;  15  ordained 
ministers, and  8  unordained  ;  33  added  bj  letter;  286  baptis- 
ed ;  64  dismissed  ;  IS  excluded  ;  21  deceased  ;  and  a  total  of 
3,554.  Tlie  churches  most  favored  with  additions  were  the 
Arlington,  18  baptised;  AVhite  Creek,  49;  Chatham,  Elder 
E.  Dotv,  10  ;  Clifton  Park,  17  ;  Clinton,  U.  C,  15  ;  Egre- 
mont,  ^.  Z>,  Z?M5Z>e.7,  a  licentiate,  21  baptised;  E.  Hills 
dale,  10  ;  Hoosick,  no  pastor,  16 ;  Nassau,  Elder  John  IlaP" 
ris,  28  ;  1  Sandisfield,  Elder  Jesse  Hartwell,  12;  Schodack, 
54  ;  4  Shaftsbury,  24  ;  and  West  Stockbridge,  (no  pastor,) 
12.  It  was  a  year  of  increase  in  most  of  the  churches,  and 
by  letter  and  baptism,  319  were  added  to  all  the  churches. 
No  items  of  business  of  special  interest  are  recorded  ;  but  it 
was  a  season  of  interest  and  profit.  Elder  "Witherell  preach- 
on  "Wednesday,  P.  M.,  from  1  Sam.  12  :  24.  ''  Only  fear 
the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in  truth  ■tvith  all  your  hedrt  ;  for 
xxinsider  hoio  great  things  he  hath  done  for  you.^'  And  at  the 
close  en  Thursday,  Elder  Cornell  preached  from  Eph.  2  ;  6. 
"  And  hath  raised -as  up  together,  and.  made  us  sit  together  in 
heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus."  The  missionary  fund  was 
increased  to  S2 14,1 6,  from  all  the  churches:  and  $100,00 
was  appropriated  to  the  Treasury  of  the  Baptist  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions.  It  was  '•'•voted^  that  brethren  Willey, 
Mattison.  Otis,  Wheeler  and  Bucklin,  be  a  committee  to  ob- 
tain information  on  the  subject  of  Theological  Seminaries, 
and  lay  before  the  Association,  at  the  next  session,  such  infor- 
mation, and  propose  such  measures  as  may  be  thought  best 
calculated  to  promote  them." 

The  names  of  the  licentiates,  or  unordained  ministers,  m 
the  body  this  year  were  as  follows ;  Hosea  Wheeler,  North 
Adams ;  Isaac  Backlin,  Arlington  ;  Wm.  De  Grojf,  Chat- 
ham ;  Elisha  D.  Huhbell,  Egremont ;  Chwies  Williams., 
Nassau  ;  Asakel  Dend,  jr.  Sandisfield  ;  Truman  Galushay 
4th  Shaft  sbury  ;  nnd  Mnathan  Swee^,  Stephentown.  Thus 
was  the  head  of  the  church  raising  up  from  among  the  sons 
of  Zion,  those  who  were  to  take  her  by  the  hand,  and  lead 
her  into  the  pastures  of  his  grace,  when  the  Fathers  should 
fail  from  the  oversight  of  the  churches,  and  find  their  rest 
in   glory. 

The  circular  and  correspofidi^ig  letters  were  both  written 
by  Elder  N.  Otis,  this  year.     They  were  very  good,  brief, 

8 


158  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIAl-ION,  [l819 

pertinent  and  filled  with  a  sweet  savor  of  piety  that  refreshes 
the  soul  to  read  them.  The  Jirst  is  on  the  present  state  of 
the  churches,  and  might  well  be  called.  "  Words  of  caution 
to  the  clturches."  The  latter  is  so  brief  and  excellent,  we 
will  insert  it  entire. 

"  CORRESPONDING  LETTER. 
The  Shaftsburt  Association  to  the  associations  with  ichoiti  they  corres. 
pond,  sends  Charity,  which  never  failcth. 

"  Beloved   Brethuen  : 

Blessed  with  good  lidings  from  various  parts  of  the  Lord's 
vineyard  we  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glury.  Jesus, 
the  pro]>het  of  Nazareth,  the  King  of  glory,  is  multiplying  the  tro- 
phies of  his  victorious  grace  ;  and  in  the  advancement  of  his  Kingdom 
and  conquests  of  his  love,  he  is  making  ns  to  share  a  blessed  part- 
While  God  is  enlarging  the  borders  of  Zion's  tent,  we  trust  we  are  mak- 
ing progress  within,  in  faith,  hope  and  charity,  and  every  grace.  Yes, 
we  trust  shortly  to  meet  all  the  redeemed  beyond  the  Jordan  of  death 
in  that  new  heaven  and  new  earth,  whcreiu  dwelleth  righteousness. 

"  Brethren,  we  rejoice  in  our  holy  correspondence,  and  desire  that 
it  may  continue,  trusting  that  our  intercourse  will  be  nearer,  dearer 
sweeter  and  more  glorious,  in  the  Kingdom  of  our  Heavenly  Father. 
Tho  waste  places  of  our  Zion,  are  filliug  up  ;  union  and  strength  are 
increasing,  and  our  zeal  in  tho  missionary  cause,  is  becoming  more 
and  more  effectual.  May  this  spirit  pervade  the  religious  world,  until 
the  angel  of  the  ministry  shall  gather  together  the  elect  from  every 
kindred,  language  and  i>eople,  under  the  whole  heavens.  May  we 
continue  steadfast  in  iho  faith,  in  due  preparation  and  watcliiug  for 
the  appearing  of  the  King  in  Zion. 

"Our  meeting  has  been  one  of  the  most  pleasant,  ever  experienced, 
for  the  Lord  was  there. 

"  JOSEPH  CORNELL,  Moderator." 

"ELIJAH  F.  WILLEY,  Clerkr 

1819. 

The  Thirty-ninth  Session  of  the  association  was  held  at 
Pittstown,  June  2d  and  3d,  as  appointed,  and  Elder  George 
Robinson  of  Pownal,  preached  the  opening  discourse  from 
Ileb.  2  ;  3.     "  IIow  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great 


Chap  iv.J  polTkth  ten  years.  16 

saltation  ?"  Elder  Francis  Watland  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, though  not  a  pastor  in  the  body,  and  E.  F.  Willey, 
Clerk',  and  Elder  Wm.  Groom,  jr,  assistant  clerk. 

There  were  26  churches  reported  in  the  minutes  this 
year,  with  15  minbsters  and  6  Licentiates;  189  baptised; 
28  by  letter ;  40  dismissed  ;  25  excluded  ;  33  deceased,  and 
a  total  of  3,283.  The  1st  Shaftsbury  church  returned  and 
took  her  place  in  the  body  this  year  with  85  members,  un- 
der the  care  of  Elder  I.  Mattison.  But  the  Jive  churches 
located  in  Upper  Canada,  having  formed  into  an  association 
of  their  own,  called  Clinton  Co7iference,  were  dismissed,  at 
their  request,  and  their  names  and  numbers  do  not  appear 
in  the  minutes  of  this  year.  These  churches,  the  Charlotte- 
rille,  Clinton,  Oxford,  Talbot  Street  and  Townsend,  with 
the  1st  Cheshire  church,  dismissed  last  year,  took  away  some 
200  members  from  the  association. 

The  churches  blessed  with  revivals,  were  the  Adams, 
north,  having  no  pastor,  32  baptised  :  2  Canaan,  Elder  Otis, 
12;  Clifton  Park,  Elders  Peck  and  Groom,  59;  Lansing- 
hurgh.  Elder  Willey,  14;  Nassau,  Elder  John  Harris,  23  ; 
Schodack,  Elder  Olmsted,  19;  and  Williamstown,  Elder 
Erastus  Uoty,  9  baptised.  There  was  a  considerable  re- 
vival at  Clifton  Park,  where  59  were  baptised  making  them 
379  strong,  the  largest  church  but  one  (Berlin)  in  the  Body  ; 
and  the  most  efficient,  perhaps,  in  those  years  in  spreading 
the  gospel  around  them  and  abroad  in  the  world,  The  con. 
tribution  of  this  church  to  the  Missionary  Funds  this  year 
was  Sol, 48  ;  while  from  but  07ie  other  church  was  there  as 
much  money  reported.  This  was  from  the  Shaftsbury/  Fe- 
male Mite  society  which  embraced  the  territory  of  the  1st 
and  4th  churches,  and  sent  up  ^58,85,  for  this  worthy  ob- 
ject. The  Schodack  was  the  next  most  liberal  church  ;  as 
usual  it  was  well  represented  on  the  roll  of  benevolence, 
sending  S27,3G  for  Missions.  Elder  Olmstead  their  pastor, 
seemed  to  have  been  a  laborous  and  successful  minister  for 
many  years,  in  the  field  of  his  toils,  being  blessed  with  addi- 
tions to  his  church  nearly  every  year ;  and  for  a  long  period 
dioelling  among  his  own  people.  The  total  of  receipts  from  all 
the  churches,  &c.,this  year  for  missionary  purposes,  reported 
to  the  association,  was  $261,08  ;  the  largest  sura  by  more 
than  $30,00  ever  before  reported.     How  much  of  this  was 


160  S;iAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1820 

designated  to  Foreign  Missions,  and  how  much  to  Domestic, 
we  cannot  ascertain.  Elder  Witiieuell  from  the  Leyden 
Association,  preaclied  a  Missionary  sermon  on  Thursday 
morning  from  Mark  16  ;  15;  and  a  collection  of  S24,02  was 
taken  up.  Also  had  a  sermon  from  Elder  Clark  Ken- 
DRiCK,  of  the  Vermont  Association,  on  Wednesday,  P.  M., 
at  4  o'clock,  from  Psalm  137;  5,  6.  "If  I  forget  tbee,  O 
Jerusalem,  let  ray  right  hand  forget  her  cunning,  If  I  do  not 
remember  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  ray 
mouth  ;  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy." 

Correspondence  was  opened  with  the  Manchester  Asso- 
ciation recently  formed  on  the  north  ;  as  also  at  the  session 
of  1818  with  the  Union  and  the  New  London  Associa- 
tions. The  churches  and  public  were  warned  against  '■'■John 
Johnson,  Henry  T.  Smith  and  Samuel  Clark,  who  were 
abroad  imposing  upon  the  people,  under  the  character  of 
Baptist  ministers,  but  who  are  impostors,  and  men  of  bad 
character." 

The  circular  and  corresponding  letter  was  prepared  by  a 
committee  of  Elders,  Kendrick.  Mattison  and  Beach,  be- 
cause the  Brother  appointed,  failed,  and  was  not  present. 
Its  subject  was  "  Christian  Fellowship  and  the  means  of  its 
continuance."  This  anniversary  is  spoken  of  in  the  minutes 
as  very  pleasant,  "  being  crowned  with  love,  peace  and 
friendship.     The  corresponding  letter  says  : 

"  Permit  us  to  acknowledge  the  reception  of  your  messengers  and 
minutes,  -which  are  interesting  and  consoling.  iNrEEESTiNO,  because 
Tjy  these  communications,  we  become  acquainted  with  each  other's 
joys  and  sorrows,  prosperity  and  adversity,  conflicts  and  victory. 
Consoling,  to  hear  how  the  holy  war  prospers,  the  powers  of  darkness 
receding,  light  and  truth  prevailing  ;  the  gospel  trumpet  sounding, 
the  royal  banners  of  our  conquering  King  unfurled,  sinners  bowing 
to  the  gospel  sceptre,  saints  walking  and  rejoicing  in  the  truth.  This 
constitutes  the  subject  matter  of  our  holy  joy  and  consolation.  Breth- 
ren, we  desire  a  continuance  of  your  prayers  and  correspondence,  un- 
til we  meet  around  the  throne  of  God  complete." 

1820. 
The   Fortieth    Anniversary    was    held  with    the  North 
Adams  church,   Mass.,  June  7th  and  8th,  i\iQ  first  and  only 
time   it  ever   met  there.     The  introductory  sei-mon  was  by 


CHAP.  IV.]  FOURTH  TEN  YEAKS.  IGl 

Elder  I.  Mattison,  from  Zech.  4  :  10,  "  For  who  hath  de- 
spised the  day  of  small  things  ?"  Elder  Abijah  Peck  was 
Moderator,  and  Elder  John  Lamb  of  West  Hillsdale, 
Clerk  ;  and  Brother  David  W.  Elmore,  assistant  Clerk. 

There  were  26  churches  represented  by  their  Messen- 
gers, in  which  were  reported  the  names  of  19  ordained 
ministers,  and  2  licentiates;  173  baptized  ;  34  added  by 
letter;  4  restored  ;  49  dismissed;  52  excluded  ;  Side- 
ceased,  and  a  total  of  3,377  members  in  all  the  churches. 

There  had  been  some  refreshing  showers  upon  the  thirsty 
hills  of  Zion,  and  the  most  favored  churches  were  as  fol- 
lows :  Adams,  37  baptised,  and  no  Pastor  with  them  at  the 
time  ;  Clifton  Park,  Elders  Peck  and  Job  Champion,  35 
baptised  ;  Lansingburgh,  no  Pastor,  8  ;  Nassau,  Elder  J. 
Harris,  11  ;  Pittstowti,  no  Pastor,  21  ;  Stephentown,  Elders, 
Matthew  Jones  and  Elnathan  Sweet,  14  ;  Williamstoton, 
Elder  Doty,  7  ;  and  West  Stockbridge,  no  pastor,  9.  A 
few  were  added  to  some  other  churches,  and  to  a  number, 
none,  by  baptism.  The  accessions  to  Pittstown  where  the 
Association  met  the  year  before,  doubled  their  number  and 
seemed  to  be  a  blessing,  that  followed  the  exercises  of  the 
association,  to  strengthen  them.  The  church  at  North  Adams 
had  received  in  the  course  of  the  two  years,  about  seventy  by 
baptism,  which  enlarged  them  more  than  any  previous  work 
of  grace  they  had  enjoyed  ;  raising  their  number  to  125. 
Although  destitute  of  an  under  Shepherd,  the  Great  Shep- 
herd who  laid  down  his  life  for  the  sheep  was  mindful  of 
them,  in  their  destitution,  and  led  them  into  green  pastures, 
and  made  them  feed  beside  still  waters.  Of  this  revival 
Elder  Leland  says,  in  his  auto-biography  :  "  In  March, 
1819,  a  like  work  broke  out  in  the  north  part  of  Adams, 
which  progressed  several  months.  The  people  in  that  place, 
had  no  settled  minister,  but  were  visited  by  ministers  who 
lived  around  them.  Of  the  seventy  who  united  with  the 
church,  I  baptised  <^ye«<y-se^•e/^-"     [Works,  p.  34.] 

The  Association  was  greeted  this  session  by  several  let- 
ters from  the  Female  Mite  Societies  for  Missionary  purpo- 
ses, accompanying  the  offerings  for  so  noble  a  purpose, 
which  were  reciprocated  by  a  vote  of  thanks.  The  report 
of  the  Missionary  Committee  was  approved,  and  presented 
$142,G8,  as  the  amount  of  the  collections  duriag  the  year, 


162  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION,  [1820 

and  at  this  anniversary.  Of  this  S25,00  were  collected  after 
a  sermon  by  Elder  Samuel  Rogers  of  the  Saratoga  Asso- 
ciation, from  Mark  16  :  15,  and  Luke  10  :  20.  The  mis- 
sionary funds,  it  is  to  be  supposed,  were  chiefly  appropria- 
ted to  the  Foreign  Mission  cause,  as  no  account  is  render- 
ed from  year  to  year,  of  expenditures  for  Domestic  Mission- 
ary work.  The  work  of  this  body  for  some  20  years,  had 
aided  the  rise  and  establishment  of  many  new  and  feeble 
churches  in  Northern  and  Western  New  York  and  Upper 
Canada  ;  and  the  missionary  spirit  of  the  body,  found  a  new 
channel  through  which  to  pour  out  its  streams  upon  a  dark  and 
ruined  world,  in  the  recently  organized  Triennial  Conven- 
tion of  the  Baptist  denomination,  in  the  United  States,  which 
was  engaged  in  the  support  of  Dr.  Judson  and  his  heroic 
wife  upon  the  distant  and  barbarous  coast  of  Burmah.  And 
in  this  work,  the  churches  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association, 
have,  to  this  day,  done  good  service,  as  well  as  in  other 
fields  of  Christian  enterprise,  cultivated  by  our  denomination. 

Sermons  were  preached  during  this  session  also  by  Elder 
Calvin  H.  Swain  of  the  Saratoga  body,  from  Isa.  42  :  21, 
"  The  Lord  is  well  pleased  for  his  righteousness  sake,  he 
will  magnify  the  law  and  make  it  honorable,"  and  by  El- 
der E.  Sweet,  from  Eph.  6  :  23,  "Peace  be  to  the  Breth- 
ren, and  love  with  faith,  from  God  the  Father,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ." 

The  circular  and  corresponding  letters,  were  both  from 
the  pen  and  heart  of  the  youthful  Hubbell,  now  for  the  first 
time  among  his  brethren,  as  an  ordained  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel, though  in  after  years,  while  in  the  body,  one  of  the  most 
active,  as  he  was  also  of  the  most  able,  in  counsel  and  execu- 
tion, for  Zion's  good,  and  her  Redeemer's  Glory.  The  circu- 
lar is  a  very  interesting  view  of  the  Saviour,  in  the  charac- 
ter of  the  Shepherd  of  his  people  :  and  had  we  room,  it 
should  have  a  place  among  the  records  of  this  Book.  We 
may  give  a  brief  extract  that  will  show  its  spirit  and  tone. 

"  Confide  then,  ye  tempted  saints,  in  the  wisdom  of  your  God_ 
Cast  all  your  cares  on  him.  Hope  in  the  Lord ;  you  shall  yet  praise  him, 
who  is  the  heaUh  of  your  countenance  and  your  God.  He  hath  clio- 
senyou  in  Glirist  before  the  foundation  of  the  world;  he  hath  washed 
you  in  Ins  blood,  and  purified  you  unto  himself,  that  you  should  be  a 
holy  people,  and  dwell  eternally  in  his  presence.    He  has  fed  you  in 


CHAP.  IV,]  FOURTH  TEN  YEARS.  1G3 

the  pastures  of  his  grace  ;  his  own  hand  has  supplied  all  your  want? 
and  will  withhold  no  good  thing  from  them  that  walk  uprightly.  He 
will  not  leave  you  to  wander  through  the  desert  alone,  but  will  ac- 
company and  direct  your  steps.  Will  he  leave  you  to  famish  ?  No  :  he 
will  sustain  you.  Will  he  leave  you  a  prey  to  disease  and  death  ?  No  : 
he  will  forgive  your  iniquities,  he  will  heal  your  sicknesses,  and  crown 
your  lives  with  his  tender  mercies.  Shall  Satan  overpower  you  ? 
No  :  the  enemy  shall  not  exact  upon  you ;  nor  the  sons  of  wickedness 
affiictyou.  God  will  surely  watch  over  you,  he  will  keep  you  as  the 
apple  of  his  eye,  by  his  power  through  faith  unto  salvation.  Happy 
people  !  "all  things  are  yours,  and  ye  are  Christs's  and  Christ  is 
God's."  Your  suffering  days  will  soon  be  over.  Your  Shepherd 
cometh  quickly.     Eoen  no,  come  Lord  Jesus." 

The  exercises  of  this  interesting  session  were  closed  by 
an  ''  offering  of  thanksgiving  and  prayer,  by  the  Moderator, 
made  to  the  Father  of  our  mercies,  for  his  blessings,  in  fa- 
voring us  with  the  privilege  of  sitting  together  in  heavenly 
places  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  banqueting  our  souls  upon  his 
love,"  says  the  record  of  the  Clerk  in  the  minutes  of  the 
body.  Oh,  how  delightful  were  those  occasions  to  the  peo- 
ple of  God,  and  how  refreshing  even  now  to  those  who  can 
recollect  these  gatherings  of  the  saints  in  fraternal  asocia- 
tion  and  worship  for  Two  days,  when  there  were  no  State 
Convention,  Bible  Society,  nor  Home  and  Foreign  Mission- 
ary Meetings,  that  collected  our  Brethren  annually  to 
meet  and  pray  and  labor  and  sing  together,  as  is  now  the 
case.  Then,  the  Association,  was  the  great  meetiyig  of 
the  year,  that  any  could  attend  ;  and  all  wended  their  way 
thither  that  could  reach  it  ;  and  many  rode  in  their  car- 
riages one,  two,  and  sometimes  three  days  to  be  present,  on 
these  deeply  interesting  and  solemn,  but  yet  joyful  occasions, 
in  our  Baptist  Zion.  The  steamboat  and  rail-road  car,  had  not 
then  brought  the  ends  of  the  world  together,  as  now  they  seem 
to  be  ;  and  it  required  the  whole  week,  or  nearly,  to  go 
and  enjoy  the  season,  and  return  home  again.  But  the 
journey  and  privileges' were  equally  welcome. 

1821. 

The  Forty-first  Anniversary  was  attended  with  the  church 
in  Egremont,  Berkshire  co.,  and  near  the  south-west  corner 


164  SHAFTSBURT    ASSOCIATION.  [182^ 

of  the  State  of  Massachusetts.  This  was  the  first  and  only 
time  the  Association  met  in  that  place.  Ekler  Daniei> 
TiNKHAM,  according  to  appointment  preached  the  introduc- 
tory discourse  from  ileb.  8  :  3,  ''Wherefore  it  is  of  necessity 
that  this  man  have  somewhat  also  to  otfer." 

Elder  I&aiah  Mattjson  was  chosen  Moderator  ;  Elder 
John  Lamu,  Clerh ;  and  Br,  S.  S.  Malleky,  J[  s/s/a/i^ 
Clerk.  Reports  were  leceived  from  25  churches,  whose 
statistics  give  14  ministers,  and  7  licentiates  ;  144  baptised  j 
34  added  by  letter  ;  4  restored ;  87  dismissed ;  44  excluded; 
37  deceased ;  and  a  total  of  2,840  members  in  fellowship. 
Of  the  dismissions,  37  were  from  the  Clifton  Park  church 
to  form  a  new  interest  called  the  Burnt  Hills  church  in  the 
township  of  Ballston.  The  Canaan  churches  this  year,  by 
the  organization  of  a  new  township  called  Austerlitz,  obtain 
different  names;  the  1st  being  called  Austerlitz;  the  2d, 
1st  Canaan  ;  and  the  3d,  2d  Canaan.  So  the  minutes  tes- 
tify, and  so  the  names  and  numbers  show.  Of  revivals, 
there  were  few  reported  this  year.  To  the  1  Canaan 
church,  (now  called)^-ai/a/'/ a  licentiate,  Pastor,  14  had  been 
added  by  baptism;  2d  Canaan,  Elder  Henry  Palmer,  31; 
Clifton  Park,  23  ;  Nassaii,  Elder  J.  Harris,  40  ;  and  Steph- 
eniown,  Elder  Matthew  Jones,  12. 

The  Missionary  cause  received  attention  during  this  ses- 
sion in  various  ways.  On  Thursday  morning  Elder  Morse 
of  the  Hartford  Association  preached  from  Rom.  6 :  23, 
^'For  the  icages  of  sin  is  deathj  hut  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal 
life,  thi-ough  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,"  and  a  missionary  col- 
lection was  taken  up  of  $15,19.  It  was  also  recommended, 
"That  the  churches  of  this  Association,  set  apart  a  certain 
time  on  the  first  Monday  of  every  month,  to  unite  in  prayer 
to  Almighty  God,  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel ;  and  a  notice 
of  the  same  be  inserted  in  the  minutes."  Thus  was  the 
monthly  concert  commended  to  the  attention  of  the  churches 
of  this  Body  in  behalf  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Work.  What 
a  reasonable  service  this,  for  all  Christians  to  show  their 
interest  and  sympathy  with  our  Brethren  in  the  service 
among  the  heathen,  and  yet  how  little  regarded,  even  now, 
when,  in  1853,  we  see  such  tokens  of  the  Divine  Favor  upon 
the  enterprise  of  missions,  as  greet  our  eyes  from  every 
quarter  of  the  world.     The  collections  for  this  year,  amount- 


CHAP.  IV.]  FOtrUTn     TEN     YEARS.  165 

ed  to  $214,20,  in  promotion  of  the  cause.  And  some  of 
the  churches  and  societies  had  done  nohly  for  this  good  enter- 
prise. The  Shaftsbury  Brethren  took  the  lead  this  year, 
sending  up  from  the  ''^Female  Mite  Society,'"  for  missions 
818,75  ;  and  from  the  "Shaftsbury  Society,  auxiliary  to  the 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions,"  S83,50,  making  a  total  of 
SI 02,25,  from  the  two  or  three  churches  in  that  town,  or 
nearly  one  half  o?  all  that  was  brought  up  from  the  whole 
body. 

The  Berlin  church,  under  Elder  Hull's  care,  not  having 
represented  itself,  ior  three  years,  was  according  to  the  rules 
of  order,  dropped  from  the  minutes;  which  took  away 
some  500  members,  as  they  had  been  counted,  from  the 
body.  They  were  absent  till  1825,  when  they  returned, 
and  for  a  few  years  were  represented  in  the  Association. 

The  West  Hillsdale  church,  presented  the  following  query, 
viz : — "  Does  the  gospel  require  that  private  labor  be  taken 
on  all  occasions,  for  a  public  offence,  previous  to  its  being 
received  by  the  church  ?"  This  was  answered  in  the  nega- 
tive, upon  a  report  to  that  effect,  brought  in  by  a  committee 
raised  especially  for  its  consideration,  composed  of  Elders 
David  Pease,  Abijah  Peck,  John  Harris,  Geo.  Witherell  and 
Asahel  Morse.  It  was  also  recommended  "to  the  churches 
that  no  travelling  person  be  received  as  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  without  recommendations,  not  exceeding  one  year's 
date.  Correspondence  was  opened  with  the  Madison  As- 
sociation, in  Central  N.  Y.  and  Elders  Hubbell  and  01m- 
stead,  and  Brethren  Mallery  and  Brown  were  appointed 
messengers  to  its  anniversary.  A  general  meeting  was 
appointed  by  their  request  with  the  1st  Shaftsbury  church, 
the  last  Wednesday  in  August.  These  meetings  were 
purely  for  devotional  purposes,  and  for  many  years  were 
kept  up  in  this  body.  There  was  preaching  several  times 
during  this  session.  Besides  the  two  diseources  already 
mentioned,  Elder  Howard  Malcom,  a  messenger  from  the 
Hudson  River  Association,  preached  from  Ezek.  40 :  4, 
and  at  2  o'clock,  on  Thursday,  P.  M,,  it  is  said,  "  Elder 
Levi  Streeter,  preached  to  the  people  ready  to  depart." 
He  was  a  messenger  of  the  Renssehieiville  Association. 
And  of  the  character  of  this  meeting  it  is  recorded  Page  9, 
of  the  minutes  :  "  During   the  present  session,  the  face  of 


166  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1821 

nature  has  seemed  to  wear  a  propitious  smile ;  peace  and 
harmony  have  abounded,  and  the  hearts  of  many  have  been 
refreshed  with  the  gJorious  things  that  have  been  spoken  of 
Zion,  the  city  of  God." 

The  circidarliitter,  "on  the  divinity  of  Christ,"  was  by  Eld- 
er John  Lamb.  It  is  a  sound  document,  and  ably  vindicates 
the  doctrine  of  Christ,  against  Ariani&m  so  rife  in  those  days, 
in  various  sections  of  the  land.  The  corresponding  letter 
was  from  the  pen  of  Elder  George  WixnERELL  of  Hoosick, 
and  is  so  pleasant  and  brief  an  epistle  of  fraternal  regard, 
that  we  insert  it,  as  a  specimen  of  his  writing  and  spirit. 
"  CORRESPONDING  LETTER. 

"  The  SriAPTSBUEY  Baitist  Association,  To  the  several  Associatio7is 
vnth  whom  loe  correspond,  sendeth  Christian  Salutation  : 
•  Respected  Fathers  and  Brethken, 

"  "With  gratitude  we  embrace  another  opportunity  of  cliristian  cor- 
respondence. With  cordial  affection  bave  we  received  your  messen- 
gers and  minutes,  and  rejoice  in  the  consolation  they  afford  ;  happy 
to  receive  information  of  the  growing  empire  of  Emanuel,  and  to 
witness  the  accomplishment  of  those  glorious  things,  long  since  pre- 
dicted of  tlie  city  of  our  God.  It  is  rather  a  low  time,  with  most  of 
our  churches,  though  some  of  them  have  experienced  a  refreshing 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

"  Though  the  ways  of  Providence  are  mysterious,  and  clouds  and 
•  darkness  are  round  about  him,  it  may  afford  matter  of  real  joy  to  the 
people  of  God,  that  his  counsel  will  stand,  and  he  will  do  all  his  plea- 
sure. The  prophetic  vision  is  fast  fulfilling.  The  stone,  which  smote 
the  image,  will  fill  the  whole  earth.  And  the  kingdom  and  dominion 
and  the  greatness  of  the  kingdom  under  the  whole  heaven,  shall  be 
given  to  tlie  people  of  the  saints  of  the  Most  High,  whose  kingdom  is 
an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  all  dominions  shall  serve  and  obey  liim. 

"  Though  a  thick  cloud  darkens  the  prospect  of  the  Birman  Mission, 
let  us  not  indulge  a  discouraging  thought.  Let  not  this  dampen  our 
missionary  spirit,  or  relax  our  zeal  to  aid  with  our  prayers  and  our 
substance,  in  sending  the  word  of  life  to  the  mdlious  perishing  for 
lack  of  knowledge.  The  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure  ;  he  is  no' 
slack  concerning  his  promises  ;  the  gospel  must,  and  will  be  preached 
in  all  the  world.  The  heathen  Avill  be  given  to  Jesus  for  an  inherit- 
ance, and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  a  possession.  The 
zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  will  perform  this. 


CHAP. 


IV.] 


FOURTH  TEN  YEARS. 


167 


"May  we,  therefore,  dear  Brethren,   be   found   workera  together 

■with  God  ;  waiting  with  due  submission,  the  completion  of  the  Diving 

purposes  in  the  salvation  of  the  chosen.     We  solicit  a  continuance  of 

your  correspondence,  and  subscribe  ourselves, 

"  Your's  in  a  precious  Savior," 

"  John  Lamb,  Clerk.  )  t  at  „^  i\r  i      ,     » 

o  1  o    HT  n         A     ■  M     J   Y  I-  Mattison,  Moderator. 

Samuel  b.  Mallery,  Assistant.  ) 

"We  insert  the  statistics  of  the  churches,  this  year,  as  they 

were  printed  in  the  minutes,  as  before,  at  the  close  of  each 

decade  of  years  ;    by    which  the   state  of  each  church,  its 

messengers  and  comparative  strength  with  other  churches  in 

the  body  may  be  seen,  as  well  as  its  strength  compared  with 

itself  Ten  years  ago. 


' 

1 

td 

2  > 

O  ft 

O     H   1  Monet 

CHDECnES. 

Ministers  &  Mes'ges 

> 

H 

S 

g         for 

a" 

.►^  O 

o 

o 

^      MISSIONS 

Adams,  North, 

Samuel  Savory  (a  li- 
centiate,) Silas  Par- 
tridge, Benjamin  F. 

Remington. 

3 

2 

1 

4 

o 

123 

Austerlitz, 

— Dea.  John  Gott,  J. 
Ford,  Abel  Wood- 

worth,  H.  Stow. 

3 

1 

1 

35 

1st  Canaan, 

Ira  Hall,  Dea.  Sam'l. 
A  Curtis,  J.  John- 
son, Ambrose  San- 

ford,  J.  Douglass. 

14 

3 

2 

92 

$  2  00 

Qd  Canaan, 

Hknet   Palmer,   Da- 

,   vid  W.  Gifford,    A. 

Carter,;P.  C.Hutch- 

inson. 

31 

2 

1 

3 

1 

82 

Chatham, 

Wm.  E.    Waterbnry, 
Deacon  Joel  Cham- 

pion. 

4 

2 

1 

1 

45 

I  00 

Clifton  Park, 

Abijah     Peck,     Job 
Champion,  Dea.  S. 
Cole,  A.    Harring- 
ton, P.  Althouse,  A. 

Calkin,  G.  W.  Beal. 

23 

2 

37 

7 

892 

29  57 

JSgretnont, 

Elisha  D.  Hubbell, 
Sam'l.  S.  Mallery, 
Gaines  Tremain,  M. 
B.  Tremain,  E.  Cal 
kin,  J.  Curtis,  Dan'l. 

Loomis,  H.  Kelsey. 

2 

2 

3 

9 

3 

201 

20  89 

East  Hillsdale, 

Abkll  BaowN,  Dea. 

168 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[1821 


td 

5  > 

C 

ft 

d 

H 

Money 

CmJECHES. 

Ministers  &  Mes'ges 

> 

H 

i- 

5 

o 

5 

o 

> 

for 

o' 

2  ^ 

V 

t;' 

f 

missions 

M.    Spencer,    Dea 

John   Tyler,  Thus 

Palmer,  A.  Sharts 

2 

4 

183 

West  Hillsdale, 

JoHM  Lamb,  J.  Vau 
deboe,  J.Vandusen 
R.  KinyoQ,  jr.,  Ad 
Vandeboc,     J  o  h  i 
Snook. 

3 

1 

1 

50 

5  00 

Hoosick, 

George    Witherell 

Isaac  Gale. 

1 

5 

6 

89 

Lansiiirjhurgh. 

[No  returns :   formei 
utatisties  given.] 

70 

Nassaii, 

JouN  Harris,  Charles 
Williams,  N.  Cran- 
dall,  David  W.  El- 
more,*   Dea.  Peter 
Brown,  Dea.   Grid- 

ly  Judd. 

40 

1 

9 

4 

1 

202 

9  00 

Pittsfield, 

[No  returns.] 

54 

Pittntomn, 

[No  returns.] 

41 

Poienal, 

A  letter. 

1 

1 

C9 

Savoy, 

Asa  Todd* 

34 

1st  Sandisjicld, 

Jes'e  HAETWELL,Dea. 

Simon  Sears,   Paul 
Sears,  jr.,  J  Smith, 
Joseph  Doud. 

4 

142 

7  15 

Schodack, 

Stephen,  Olmsted,  R. 
Dubois,  SethSmal- 

ley. 

2 

2 

2 

1    121 

4  70 

J  st  Shaftshury, 

Isaiah  Mattison,  Pe- 

ter W.  Dean . 

o 

5 

9 

1    173 

60  00 

3d  Shaftsbury, 

—Dea.  Ebcz'r.  Clark. 

0.  Whipple. 

9 

5 

178 

52  25 

Stamford, 

— Matthew  Baker, 

1 

1 

1 

46 

Stephentown, 

Matthew  Jones,  Ed- 
ward Carr,  Spencer 
Carr,  Amos  Chap- 

man, 

12 

.    2 

1 

4 

3 

195 

White  Creek, 

Daniel  Tinkham. 

3 

7 

5 

3 

3 

128 

9  07 

Williamstown, 

— David  Torrey. 

1 

1 

1 

1      45 

94 

W.  Stockbridge, 

— Asa  Smith,  Robert 
Perry. 

50 

25  Churches, 

14  Ministers,  7  Li- 

144 

34 

87 

44 

37  2846 

centiales,  and  53  other 

Messengers. 

CUAP.  tV.]  FOURTH  TEN  TEARS.  169 

And  now  we  close  up  the  annals  of  this  Period  of  Tea 
years,  during  which,  few  churches  were  added  to  the  body 
but  a  number  were  dismissed  to  aid  in  forming  other  bodies, 
of  our  denominational  host.  The  Arlington,  2d  Canaan,  (as 
now  called,)  Talbot  Street,  U.  Canada,  and  Williamstown, 
(re-organized)  churches,  were  added  during  this  decade  of 
years,  to  the  body  ;  while  the  following  churches  were  dis- 
missed, to  unite,  most  of  them,  in  strengthening  other  asso- 
ciations, viz  :  the  Albany  and  Troy  churches  to  the  Hud- 
son River  body  in  1816  ;  Arlington,  in  1818  to  the  Man- 
chester ;  Gharlotteville,  Clinton,  Oxford,  Talbot  Street, 
and  Townse7td  churches  in  1818  and  '19,  to  form  the  Clin- 
ton Conference  in  Canada  West :  and  the  8d  Cheshire, 
Burlin,  and  1  Shaftsbury,  for  a  few  years,  were  dismissed, 
and  united  with  no  body  in  association.  During  this  period 
more  than  2,200  were  added  to  all  the  churches,  most  of 
them  by  baptism,  ^and  although  so  many  churches  left,  the 
total  membership  was  not  diminished  proportionately  with 
the  number  of  churches.  The  churches  decreased  from  35 
to  25 ;  the  ministers  from  26  to  14 ;  and  the  membership 
from  3,724,  to  2,846.  The  missionary  spirit  increased 
among  the  churches,  and  more  money  was  raised  this  de- 
cade of  years  than  before  ;  and  the  work  of  missions  among 
the  heathen  drew  the  attention,  prayers  and  contributions 
of  the  brethren  and  sisters  from  the  Home,  to  the  Foreign 
field.  Only  two  or  three  pastors  died  during  this  period  in 
the  body  ;  while  a  goodly  number  of  young  men  loere  raised 
up  among  the  churches,  who  became  pastors  in  their  day. 


170  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1822 


CHAPTER  V. 

Annals  of  the  Bodij  from  1822  to  ISU—Theffth  decade  of  ,jear». 

During  the  period  embraced  in  this  chapter  the  number 
of  churches  in  the  body  were  diminished  by  the  formation  of 
the  Beukshire  Association,  upon  the  south-east  corner  of 
its  former  territory,  wliich  took  away  some  four  or  Jive 
churches,  and  a  few  hundred  members.  No  very  special 
matters  of  interest  occured  during  this  period,  save  the  dis- 
cussion of  the  merits  of  Speculative  Free-Masonry,  near 
the  close  of  it,  which,  finally,  occasioned  the  secession  of 
some  othei-  churches  from  the  body.  The  years  1822,  '24, 
'25,  '27  and  '31,  were  seasons  of  the  largest  increase  by  re- 
vivals of  religion ;  in  which  several  of  the  churches  were 
favored  with  rich  out-pourings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  an 
ingathering  of  souls  to  their  fellowship.  And  while  we 
continue  to  register  the  principal  fticts  that  concerned  the 
travel  of  this  association  for  these  ten  years,  we  shall  find 
new  occasions  of  gratitude  to  God,  for  his  abounding  good- 
ness to  his  people,  and  his  ministers,  who  composed  the  body 
at  its  annual  gatherings. 

1822. 

The  Forty-second  Session  of  the  Association  was  held 
at  Hoosick,  on  the  5lh  and  Gth  days  of  June,  as  usual.  The 
opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  John  Harris  of 
1st  Nassau,  from  1  John,  4:6;  "God  is  Love."  Elder  I. 
IMattison  was  chosen  Modei-ator ;  and  Brother  George  W. 
Beal,  Cleric,  and  David  W.  Elmore,  Assistant  Clerk.  Bro- 
ther Beal,  was  from  Polder  A.  Peck's  church  in  Clifton  Park, 
and  for  8  years  in  succession,  served  the  association  as  its 
clerk.  Tlie  body  embraced  27  churches,  though  three  were 
not  represented;  15  ministers,  13  of  whom  were  present; 
10  Licentiates;  and  reported  189  baptised;  96  added  by 
letter;  106  dismissed;  31  excluded;  27  died,  and  a  total 
of  2,865.     Tho  second  Nassau  and  the  Waterford  churches, 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH    TEN    YEARS.  171 

upon  application  were  received  at  this  session,  being  both 
young  interests. 

The  churches  most  highly  favored  with  revivals,  were  the 
Austerlitz,  which  had  baptised  9  ;  Egremont,  E.  D.  Hub- 
bell,  pastor,  14;  Pittstoivn,  Elder  Richmond  Taggart, 
54;  Pownal,  2G,  with  no  pastor;  and  Wliite  Creek,  51  bap- 
tised, by  their  Pastor,  D.  Tinkhaii.  Some  of  these  were 
fine  showers  of  grace  that  greatly  refreshed  the  hearts  of 
God's  people,  and  built  up  the  churches,  who  enjoyed  them, 
in  numbers,  gifts  and  graces.  The  Waterford  church  had 
been  constituted  during  the  year,  from  the  Lansingburgh 
church  sending  out  a  colony  of  some  25  to  set  up  their  ban- 
ner in  the  name  of  the  I^ord,  across  the  Hudson  River  in 
the  rising  village  there  located.  And  so  the  2nd  Nassau 
had  been  formed  mainly  from  the  Schodack  to  occupy  the 
western,  or  north-western  portion  of  the  town,  an  interest, 
that  never  has  become  very  strong  to  this  day,  as  the  prox- 
imity of  the  Sandlake  village  cliurch  has  prevented  the 
enlargement  of  its  field  and  resources. 

The  missionary  spirit  had  not  died  out  of  the  churches, 
and  their  united  contributions  amounted  to  S187,83  during 
the  year,  of  which  about  $130,00  was  contributed  for  For- 
eign Missions.  The  cause  of  Domestic  Missions  had  now 
given  place  to  the  foreign  call  mostly,  although  during  the 
year,  ^45,00  had  been  paid  to  Elder  N.  Otis,  for  home  la- 
bors in  destitute  fields,  and  some  S20,00  to  other  ministers 
for  similar  work.  The  Lake  George  Association  had  now 
been  formed,  and  it  was  voted  this  year  to  open  correspon- 
dence with  it  by  Elders  McCuUer  and  Witherell.  The 
circular  was  by  £r.  Samuel  S.  Mallery,  a  licentiate  of  the 
Egremont  church,  this  year,  "  on  the  danger  of  being  too 
highly  exalted."  This  session  was  pleasant,  and  several 
seasons  of  public  worship  made  it  profitable  and  good  for 
the  brethren  to  be  there.  Elder  Hubbell  preached  on 
Wednesday,  P.  M.,  from  1  Cor.  6:  20,  "Ye  are  bought 
with  a  price."  And  on  Thursday,  Elder  Paul,  a  colored 
brother,  preached  from  1  Cor.  2  :  2,  and  a  collection  of 
S13,G0,  was  taken  for  Missionary  purposes  ;  and  at  2  o'clock 
P.  M.,  it  was  recorded  that  "  Elder  Edward  Barber 
preached  a  pleasing  and  instructive  sermon  from  John  18 :  36, 
*'My  Kingdom  is  not  of  this  world." 


172  SIiAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1823 


1823. 

The  Forty-third  Anniversary  was  held  with  the  1st 
Nassau  church  in  the  Union  Meeting  House,  on  Wednesday 
and  Thursday,  Jane  4th  and  5th.  The  introductory  dis- 
course was  preached  according  to  appointment  at  10  o'clock 
by  Elder  E.  D.  IIdbbell  from  1  Pet.  1  :  18,  19,  '•  Foras- 
much as  ye  know  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible 
things,  &c."  The  same  Moderator  and  Clerks  were  cho- 
sen that  served  at  the  last  session,  and  the  business  of  the 
Association  was  transacted  with  harmony  and  dispatch. 
The  newly  formed  Schenectady  Baptist  church  was  received 
this  se-sion  with  45  members,  most  of  whom  had  been  dis- 
missed from  the  old  mother  of  churches  in  that  region,  the 
Clifton  Park  church.  In  all,  there  were  28  churches  in  the 
body  ;  but  from  the  Berlin,  Lansingburgh,  Pownal  and  Wa- 
terford  churches  there  were  no  returns  made.  There  were 
19  ordained  ministers,  all  present,  save  one  ;  5  licentiates  ; 
54  baptised  in  all  the  churches  ;  28  added  by  letter,  and  5 
restored  ;  72  were  dismissed  ;  46  excluded  ;  40  deceased  ; 
and  2,570  in  all,  leaving  out  the  membership  of  the  four 
churches  not  reported.  Tlie  church  in  West  Stockhridge, 
not  having  represented  itself  for  three  successive  years,  was 
dropped  from  the  minutes,  and  did  not  return  again  till 
1827.  But  one  church  seemed  to  have  been  favored  with  a 
revival  during  the  year,  the  White  Creek,  which  had  re- 
ceived 24  by  baptism,  though  the  Stephentown  also  receiv- 
ed 12  ;  and  Clifton  Park  8,  by  baptism.  It  was  a  year  of 
dearth  in  Zion,  generally.  The  receipts  for  missionary  pur- 
poses at  this  session,  amounted  to  S188,89,  of  which  S35,18 
was  from  Clifton  Park.  Besides  the  above  sum,  a  collec- 
tion was  taken,  after  a  sermon  by  Elder  Paul  from  Psalm 
84  :  11,  amounting  to  S33,50,  which  was  appropriated  by  a 
vote  of  the  body  in  aid  of  the  African  Baptist  church  in 
Albany,  towards  the  construction  of  their  house  of  worship. 
Elder  Morse  also  preached  from  Psahn  28  :  9  ;  and  Elder 
Lrland  Howard  from  Acts  3  :  19,  during  the  session. 

Tiie  following  query  from  the  2d  Canaan  church,  with  its 
answer,  may  be  worthy  of  insertion  for  the  minutes  of  this 
year,  viz  :  "What  is  the  duty  of  a  church,  supposing  a  bro- 
ther from  a  sister  church  should  come  in  among  them,  and 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH    TEN    YEARS.  173 

bring  railing  accusations  against  them,  and  strive  to  sow 
discord  among  brethren  ?"  To  which  the  following  answer 
is  on  record  :  "  Voted,  they  should  notify  him  of  the  grief  he 
has  occasioned  ;  and  if  he  does  not  remove  it,  report  him  to 
the  church  to  which  he  belongs." 

General  meetings  were  appointed  at  this  session  with  the 
churches  following  :  the  White  Creek,  the  last  Wcidnesday 
and  Thursday  in  August  :  the  2d  Canaan,  the  last  Wed- 
nesday and  Thursday  in  Oct.,  and  the  Pittstown,  the  last 
Wednesday  and  Thursday  in  Jan.  1824. 

The  want  of  a  circular  for  this  year,  is  supplied  by  a  re- 
print of  the  Constitution  or  Plan  of  the  Association,  with 
some  modifications  for  the  consideration  and  approval  of  the 
churches.  But  it  was  not  fully  approved  by  a  majority  of 
them  until  the  session  of  1828,  when  it  was  printed  for  the 
last  time,  in  the  file  of  minutes  now  in  our  possession.  The 
Brethren  of  this  body  have  spent  less  time  in  Constitution- 
7nahing,  and  more  in  acting  out  the  spirit  and  principles 
which  the  Fathers  had  embodied  in  the  Plan,  as  published  in 
the  year  1S06. 

The  corresponding  letter  this  year,  written  by  the  excel- 
lent HuBBELL,  is  so  good,  as  well  as  brief  ?inii  comprehen- 
sive, that  we  insert  it  entire,  in  the  following  words  : 

'Beloved  Brethren, 

"  "We  have  found,  by  sweet  experience,  the  satisfaction  of  dwelling 
together  in  unity.  N'othing  delights  us  more  than  information  from 
distant  places  of  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  and  the  rising  glories  of  the 
Redeemer's  Kingdom.  Many  "  Prophets  and  righteous  men  have 
desired  to  see  the  things  which  we  see,  and  have  not  seen  them  ;  and 
to  hear  the  things  that  we  hear,  but  have  not  heard  them  "  Glad 
tidings  have  reached  us  from  distant  countries.  The  islands  of  the 
sea  are  receiving  the  law  of  the  Lord.  Ethiopia  is  stretching  forth 
her  hand  to  God.  When  we  turn  our  attention  to  India,  a  Caret,  a 
Marshsian,  and  a  "Ward,  appear,  in  front  of  a  little  band,  feeble  in 
itself,  but  strong  in  the  Lord.  Idolaters  have  been  converted  by  their 
instrumentality,  and  Bramins  have  become  preachers  of  Clirist.  May 
we  not  anticipate  the  time  when  Juggernaut  shall  be  no  longer  wor- 
shipped ;  every  idol  abandoned,  self-torture  hated,  and  Jesus  loved  'i 
'•  Burmah  presents  a  scene  awakening  both  joy  and  sorrow  ;  joy, 
that  a  number  of  Gaudama's  worshippers  have  become  the  lovers  of 


174  SlIAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1824 

Iinmaauel ;  .sorrow,  tliat  in  our  rais-ionary  exertions,  some  of  our  fair- 
est hopes  have  been  bhisted.  Yes,  ardent  Wiieelock  lies  beneath 
the  wave  ;  our  beloved  Colman  rests  in  death  ;  and  the  companion 
of  our  dear  Brother  Tiuce  has  left  him  sohtary.  Who  then,  is  willing 
to  catch  the  falling  mantle,  to  smite  the  tumultuous  waves  of  human 
depravity,  and  ask  'Where  is  the  God  of  Elijah  f  Who  will  say, 
^'  Here  am  I,  send  me  !  In  Burmah  would  I  live,  in  Burmah  would  I 
die,  and  there  would  I  be  buried  ?"  Let  us  not  fear.  The  Lord  is  on 
our  side.  He  is  a  man  of  war,  and  will  conquer  his  foes.  Let  our 
exertions  be  ardent;  our  eyes  be  directed  to  our  covenant-keeping 
God,  and  we  may  rest  assured  of  certain  success. 

"  We  wish  you  much  animation  in  holy  things,  and  the  presence  of 
Israel's  God.     Our  session  has  been  joyous,  for  the  Lord  was  there." 

''GeokgkW  Beal,  Clerk  )    <>  jg^j^H  Mattiso.v,  J/o^em^or." 

"  David  W.  Elmoke,  As.iista7it.  )  ' 

With  such  stirring  sentiments  of  fraternal  kindness  to  sis- 
ter associations,  did  the  Shaftsbury  Body  greet  their  Breth- 
ren, from  this  lioly  feast  in  Zion. 

1824. 

The  Forty-fourth  Session  Avas  held  with  Ekier  T ink- 
ham's  church,  in  the  White  Creek  meeting  house,  on  Wed- 
nesday and  Thursday,  June  2d  and  od,  according  to  the 
usual  time;  and  Elder  Ira  Hall  oft  Canaan  preached  the 
introductory  from  Gal.  2:19,  "  For  I  through  the  law,  am 
dead  to  the  law,  that  I  might  live  unto  God."  Elder  Tink- 
HAM  was  chosen  to  preside  this  year,  and  the  former  Clerk 
and  assistant  were  continued  during  this  session.  There 
were  reported  this  year  in  the  body  28  churches,  {ttvo  of 
whom  sent  no  delegates,  nor  returns) ;  22  ministers,  of  whom 
1 9  were  present  ;  5  licentiates  ;  5  restored  ;  202  baptised  ; 
37  added  by  letter;  48  dismissed  ;  48  excluded;  47  died 
and  a  total  of  2,725.  The  Berlin  and  Stamford  churches  sent 
no  statistics,  and  hence  the  total  membership  is  not  all  given. 
The  churches  most  favored  with  revivals  during  the  year, 
were  the  following;  Adams,  which  had  received  1 3  by  baptism 
under  the  care  of  Elder  Samuel  Savory  ;  Pownal,  31,  un- 
der the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Edavard  Green  ;  I  Savoy, 
61  baptised,  Elder  David  Woodbury,  Schenectady,  21, 
Elder  Nathan  N.  Whiting  who  had  recently  been  baptised 


CHAP,    v.] 


FIFTH    TEN    YEARS, 


175 


himself  by  Elder  A.  Peck,  from  the  Presbyterians  ;  Scho- 
dack  9,  Elder  Olmstead  ;  Stephentown  IG,  Elder  M.  Jones; 
and  White  Creek  28  ;  the  third  year  in  succession,  that  this 
church  had  been  favored  with  a  gracious  shower,  making 
it  about  200  strong. 

This  was  a  pleasant  session,  and  a  sermon  was  preached 
by  Elder  Burton  Carpenter  from  the  Rensselaerville  Asso- 
ciation, on  Wednesday  P.  M.  from  I  Pet.  2:7,  ''  Unto  you 
therefore  who  believe,  he  is  precious."  On  Thursday,  El- 
der Howard  from  the  Hudson  River  Association,  preached 
from  Rev.  2:18,  "I  am  he  that  liveth  and  was  dead,  &c." 
And  at  the  close,  the  venerable  Barber  from  the  Saratoga 
Association,  who  had  first  taken  his  seat  as  a  member  of  this 
body  from  his  church  at  Bottskill  in  1794,  after  30  years 
had  elapsed  was  heard  with  deep  interest  from  Isa  53  :  10, 
"  When  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall 
see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and  the  pleasure  of 
the  Lord,  shall  prosper  in  his  hands." 

The  missit  nary  funds  sent  up  from  the  various  church- 
es this  year,  amounted  to  SI 93, 69,  embracing  also  a 
collection  taken  during  the  session,  of  $19,40.  The  Shafts- 
hury  churches,  under  Elder  I.  Mattison's  care,  sent  up  about 
S30,56  ;   and  the  Clifton  Park  church,  some  S32,75. 

The  following  table  of  statistics  of  the  corresponding  as- 
sociations, we  copy  from  the  minutes,  as  worthy  of  preser- 
tion : 


Associations. 


Black  River,  N.  Y., 
Boston,  Mass., 
Cayuga,  N.  Y., 
Essex,  N.  Y, 
Hartford,  Conn.., 
Hudson  Rvier,  N.  Y., 
Lake  George,  N.  Y., 
Ley  den,  Mass. 
Madison,  N,  Y., 
Manchester,  Vt, 
New  London,  Conn., 
New  York,  N.  Y, 
Otsego.  N.  Y., 


2  5 


1822 
1S22 
1823 
1822 
1823 
1823 
1823 
1823 
1823 
1822 
1822 
1823 


O  I  O   F3 


22  16 
35' 

37  20 
11|  5 
.3128 
13  11 

8  4 
28121 

4l!28 

^i 
1917 
28  21 
28' 1 6 


373 

170 

48 

55 

65 

89 

9 

113 

106 

21 

75 

89 

89 


45 


35 
70 

207 
]9 
92 
55 
15 
41 

180 

8 

42 

34 


176 


SIIAFTSBUliy    ASSOCIATION. 


[1824 


Associations. 


Philadelphia,  Pa., 

Rensselaeroille,  N.  Y., 

Saratoga,  N.  Y., 

Stoninijton  Union,  Conn., 

Bturbridgc,  Mass., 

Union,  K.  Y., 

Upper  Canada,  Canada  Wct^t. 

Vermont,  Vt., 

Warren,  Rhode  Island, 

Westjield,  Mass., 

Woodstock,  Vt^ 


1822 
1828 
1823 
1S23 
1822 
1822 
1823 
1822 
1822 
1828 
18^3 


'^\'A 


23  28 
22  20 
28' IB 
15|10 

24  22 
14 


19 


?0i  td 


5'153 

71148 
9  78 
|414 
32 
29 
5|  32 
21156 
5lll6 
5jl63 
31  95 


76  69 
44  39 
17942 

G28 


?I?H 


In  these  24  bodies,  there  were  embraced  about  550 
cliurches,  more  than  400  ministers,  and  in  all,  about  2,400 
had  been  baptised  in  a  year,  or  some  100  to  each  association, 
on  an  average  ;  *with  more  than  55,000  members  in  the 
whole  fraternity. 

The  "  Upfcr  Canada  Association"  sent  a  request  by  let- 
ter for  correspondence,  and  expressing  their  gratitude  to 
this  body  for  Missionaries  sent  to  them  several  years  ago." 
This  request  was  cordially  granted.  The  circular  letter 
was  written  by  Elder  Savory,  but  it  failed  of  reaching  the 
clerk  in  season  to  be  printed.  The  corresponding,  was  by 
Elder  Hall,  a  brief  and  warm-hearted  epistle  of  love  to  the 
great  brotherhood  in  the  associational  correspondence.  For 
want  of  the  circular,  the  minutes  of  this  year  only  filled 
8,  12  mo.  pages.  The  following  impostors  were  advertised 
by  vote  of  the  Association  ;  as  gathered  from  the  minutes  of 
several  other  bodies,  viz  :  "Amasa  Chandler,  Samuel  Gunt- 
cr,  Nehemiah  H.  Ripley,  Jordan  Dodge,  and  Daniel  Sher- 
wood ;  and  the  churches  are  warned  against  them." 

The  decease  of  Elder  Obed  Warren,  is  noted  also,  in 
these  words.  "Tiie  committee  to  examine  the  minutes  of 
corresponding  associations  report.  That  they  notice  in  the 
minutes  of  the  Jlladisoti  Association,  an  account  of  the  death 
of  our  much  esteemed  brother,  Elder  Obkd  "Warren,  for- 
merly a  member  of  this  Association,  who  departed  this  life 
at  Covert,  (Seneca  Co.,  N.  Y.)  Aug.  20,  1823."  A  Bio- 
graphical sketch  of  Elder  Warren,  may  be  found  in  the 
Appendix  to  this  work. 


CHAP.  V.J  riKTH     TEN     VfiARS  IT'S 


1825. 

The  Forty-Fifth  Anniversary,  was  held  according  to  ap- 
pointment in  the  Newtoxvn  meeting  house  of  the  Clifton  Park 
church,  in  Half-moon  township,  Saratoga  co.,  N.  Y.,  June 
1st  and  2d,  1822.  Elder  Augustus  Beach  of  Pittsfield, 
Mass.,  preached  the  opening  sermon  from  1  John,  3 :  3, 
"And  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself 
even  as  he  is  pure."  Elder  I,  Mattison  was  chosen  Mod* 
erator  again  ;  and  Br.  G.  W.  Beal,  Clerk,  and  Elder  Saml. 
S,  Mallery,   Assistant. 

There  were  29  churches  numbered  in  the  body  ;  one  of 
which,  the  Stamford  sent  no  information ;  and  22  ministers, 
all  of  whom  were  present  this  year  :  and  1  licentiate.  Tliere 
had  been  3  restored ;  212  Baptised,  40  united  by  letter,  90 
dismissed,  33  excluded,  34  deceased,  and  a  total  of  3,317 
members  were  found  in  all  the  churches.  There  had  been 
considerable  revivals  in  several  churches  ;  the  most  highly 
favored  were  the  following ;  J3erlin,  (represented  again) 
had  baptised  9,  and  had  a  total  of  477  ;  Clifton  Park,  with 
three  ministers  now  for  a  dozen  years,  Elders  Peck,  Cham- 
pion, and  E.  D.  Hubbell,  had  received  55  by  baptism  ; 
Hoosick,  under  the  care  of  Elder  [srael  Keach,  a  native 
of  that  town,  and  settled  among  them  in  1824,  had  received 
22  ;  1  Nassau,  Elder  John  Harris,  27 ;  Schenectady,  Eld- 
er John  Cooper,  12  ;  1  Shaftsbury,  34  ;  and  Waterford  8, 
without  a  settled  pastor. 

The  2d  Cheshire  church,  re-united  with  the  Association 
this  year  by  two  messengers,  Elder  Elnathan  Sweet,  and 
Brother  J.  Richardson,  and  were  received  with  a  member- 
ship of  only  30.  They  remained  but  a  year  or  two,  and 
with  other  Berkshire  churches  was  dismissed  to  form  a  new 
body  in  1826. 

The  contributions  for  missionary  purposes  received  at 
this  session  amounted  to  S226,28,  of  which  about  S79,00 
may  be  credited  to  the  Clifton  Park  clmrch  and  congrega- 
tions, with  the  collection  made  at  the  close  of  the  Associa- 
tion, which  was  among  them.  The  business  of  this  session 
was  harmoniously  attended  to,  and  several  seasons  of  public 
worship  were  enjoyed  as  usual.  At  4  P.  M.  on  Wednesday, 
Elder   Elnathan   Peck    from   the   Madison   Association 


178  SUAFTSDURY     ASSOCIATION.  [1825 

preached  from  Rev.  1 4  :  G.  On  Thursda}-  A.  M.  Elder 
TiNKHAM  preached  from  Psahn  2:8;  and  in  the  P.  M., 
"at  2  o'clock,  Elder  John  Coopeu  of  Schenectady,  preached 
the  closing  sermon"  it  is  said,  "from  John,  10  :  27,  28,  fol- 
lowed by  Elder  Sweet  from  John  1 :  47."  Thus  they  held 
on,  after  they  thought  they  had  closed,  the  season  was  so 
precious  to  them. 

The  circular  letter  by  Elder  N.  N.  Whiting,  was  "  On 
the  religious  instruction  of  the  young,"  and  was  very  well 
written,  and  sound  in  its  views  of  this  important  duty  of 
Christian  parents  and  churches  to  the  rising  generation 
around  them.  The  letter  of  correspondence  was  by  Brother 
D.  W.  Elmore,  congratulatory  of  the  growing  prosperity  of 
the  churches  in  our  land,  and  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in 
the  world. 

The  subject  of  colletting  the  materials  for  a  history  of  the 
association,  was  considered  at  this  meeting,  as  the  minute 
following  testifies:  ^'■Resolved,  That  Elders  Hull,  Mattison 
and  Malleky,  be  a  committee  to  collect  all  the  information 
possible,  respecting  the  origin  and  progress  of  this  Associa- 
tion, and  report  the  next  session."  And  for  several  years 
this  committee  was  continued  with  additions  and  variations, 
until  in  1832,  it  was  discharged,  without  having  done  any 
thing  deserving  of  publication. 

At  this  session  a  delegation  was  appointed  to  attend  the 
anniversary  of  the  New  York  Baptist  State  Convention,  that 
resulted  in  a  union  with  that  body,  as  an  auxiliary  of  its 
work  iu  encouraging  feeble  churches  in  the  new  settlements 
of  our  western  domain,  where  this  convention  has  beenVery 
extensively  useful  for  the  last  quarter  of  a  century.  The 
delegates  sent,  were  Elders  John  Harris  and  E.  D.  Hubbell. 

Various  items  of  business  were  done,  but  nothing  more 
that  deserves  permanent  record,  we  believe,  at  this  session. 

1826. 

The  Forty-Sixth  Anniversary  was  held  ai  East  Hillsdale, 
Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  AVednesday  and  Thursday,  June  7th 
and  8th  as  appointed,  and  in  the  absence  of  Elder  Hull, 
the  introductory  discourse  was  preached  by  his  alternate, 
Elder  Elnatuan  Sweet  from  2  Tim.  4:  2.     Elder  John 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH   TEN    YEARS.  179 

Harris  of  1  Nassau  was  elected  Moderator,  and  the  clerics 
of  last  year  were  re-elected  for  this  session.  There  were 
29  churches  embraced  in  the  body  still,  although  from  the 
Poional  and  Willianistown,  there  was  no  information  sent, 
as  to  their  number  and  condition.  The  Berlin  church  dis- 
appears from  the  minutes  from  this  time,  and  the  Lansing- 
hurgli  upon  request,  was  dismissed  to  the  Hudson  River  As- 
sociation. The  Shefjleld  church,  in  the  south  west  portion 
of  Berkshire  co,  Mass.,  upon  their  request,  were  received 
into  the  Association  with  a  membership  of  only  15.  But 
tliis  interest  did  not  seem  ever  to  have  flourished,  and  from 
their  distance,  they  seldom  met  with  the  body.  In  1831,  it 
had  but  9  members,  and  soon  became  extinct.  There  had 
been  few  additions  to  the  churches  compared  with  some 
years  ;  only  tiro  churches  having  received  any  considerable 
number.  To  the  Clifton  Paik  church,  24  had  been  added 
by  baptism;  and  12  to  the  Savoy;  and  9  to  the  White 
Creek.  To  no  other  church  had  there  been  more  than  5 
added  by  baptism,  and  to  the  whole  body  only  71  ;  and  55 
by  letter;  while  79  had  been  dismissed  ;  42  excluded;  and 
39  deceased,  leaving  a  total  of  2,723  members  in  the  body. 
The  reduction  in  numbers  from  the  year  before  was  chiefly 
from  the  loss  of  the  Berlin  church  that  took  away  some  475 
members.  There  Avere  also  21  ministers  whose  names  are 
recorded  in  the  minutes  of  this  year,  although  but  IG  of 
tliem  were  present,  and  1  licentiate,  Brother  Charles  Wil- 
liams, in  the  1  I*>assau  church. 

Elder  Beach  in  behalf  of  some  of  the  Berkshire  churches 
asked  leave  for  them  to  form  a  new  Association,  which  was 
granted,  though  but  a  few  of  the  churches  improved  the  lib- 
erty granted  them,  for  several  years.  Only  the  Adams, 
Cheshire,  Pittslield,  Savoy,  Sandisfield,  and  VViJliamstown 
churches,  had  left  the  body  in  1831,  when  the  Berkshire 
body  embraced  14  churches  about  which  number  it  retained 
for  15  years,  when  it  rose  to  16  and  now  (in  1852)  counts 
20  churches  in  its  fellowship,  16  pastors,  and  1907  members, 
mostly  in  the  county  of  Berkshire. 

The  Missionary  contributions  were  $180,49  this  year. 
Several  sermons  were  preached  during  the  session  before 
the  whole  association,  and  on  Wednesday  evening,  in  differ- 
ent places  about  the  town,  where  convenient.     And  this  was 


180  SllAFTSBUKV  ASSOCIATION.  1820 

often  the  case  at  these  associational  meetings.  The  ministry 
were  detailed  into  the  various  neighborhoods,  where  they 
held  forth  the  word  of  life  to  a  larger  number  on  the  whole, 
on  Wednesday  evening,  than  could  gather  at  the  meeting 
house,  and  these  meetings  awakened  the  attention  of  people, 
so  they  came  in  on  Thursday  to  the  public  worship  of  God 
as  sustained  by  the  whole  body.  It  is  worthy  of  considera- 
tion, whether  this  i'eature  of  our  fathers,  in  improving  these 
occasions,  should  not  be  more  generally  restored.  Elder 
Stephen  Gang  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  formerly  a  member  of 
the  body  several  years,  preached  on  Wednesday  P.  M.,  from 
1  Cor.  1:2;  and  on  Thursday,  Elder  Leland  preached, 
and  a  collection  of  S16,5G,  was  taken  for  the  cause  of  missions. 

Another  impostor,  bearing  the  name  of  John  Smith  is 
exposed  in  the  minutes,  and  his  stature  and  character  de- 
scribed, so  that  the  churches  might  beware  of  him. 

The  following  queries  from  the  3d  Shaftsbury  church,  or 
Shaftsbury  centre  church ;  were  submitted  to  a  committee 
of  the  following  brethren ;  Elders  Howard,  Malcom,  J. 
Harris,  S.  Olmstead  and  E.  Sweet.  [Pages  4th  and  fith 
o^  the  minutes.] 

"Query  1.  What  duty  is  there  devolving  on  a  mim'ster, 
which  does  not  devolve  on  a  deacon,  except  it  be  the  admin- 
istration of  the  word  and  ordinances  ? 

"2.  Is  any  member  of  a  church,  subject  to  exclusion, 
without  previous  labor,  when  it  is  in  the  power  of  brethren 
to  labor  with  the  same  ?"  To  these  it  was  replied  :  "As  to 
the  Jirs(,  that  pastors  of  churches  have  a  special  rule  (Heb. 
13:  7,  17 ;)  and  oversight  to  practice,  (1  Pet.  5:2;)  which 
deacons  have  not." 

"As  to  the  second,  answered  in  the  affirmative  ;  as  for 
instance,  in  a  case  of  open  and  notorious  guilt,  the  honor  of 
the  church,  and  the  good  of  the  offender,  require  immediate 
expulsion.     See  1  Cor.  ,5th  chapter." 

The  circular  letter  this  year  by  Elder  I.  Mattison,  is  a 
pungent  discussion  of  the  great  "impropriety  of  Christians 
running  into  debt,"  or  refusing  to  pay  their  honest  dues,  and 
the  sin  of  "Evil  Speaking."  Had  we  room,  this  would  be 
worth  reprinting,  but  its  length  precludes  its  admission.  We 
insert  the  following  extracts  as  a  fair  specimen  of  the  whole. 


CHAF.  v.]  FIFTH  TEN  TEARS.  181 

'•  Nor  can  a  Christian,  whose  proficiency  in  the  school  of  Christ 
consists  in  tenderness  of  conscience  and  rectitude  of  conduct,  feel  sat^ 
isfied  with  legal  decisions,  relative  to  bankruptcy.  A  deep  wound  is 
given  to  the  blessed  cause,  both  in  city  and  country,  and  is  viewed 
with  sore  regret,  by  those  who  "hold  fast  their  integrity.'^  The  bank- 
rupt laws,  which  are  designed,  as  au  asylum  for  the  unfortunate  and 
truly  distressed,  by  perversion,  become  the  shield  and  refugee  of  the 
mdolent  and  extravagant,  who  thus  acquit  themselves  of  the  real  and 
intrinsic  claims  of  right  If  we  would  do  to  others,  as  we  would  they 
should  do  to  us,  we  should  not  put  in  hazard  the  property  of  another, 
without  his  knowledge  and  consent.  Hence  an  obligation,  endorsed 
for  the  benefit  of  another,  will  be  equally  regarded  a  just  demand,  as 
when  actual  value  in  full  has  been  received,  Nor  is  it  to  be  supposed 
that  the  littleness  of  the  gain  of  dishonesty,  limits  the  amount  of 
crime,  to  its  own  dimensions  ;  but  serves  to  augment  it,  because  truth 
and  honesty,  yielded  to  the  power  of  a  less  temptation.  On  this 
ground,  the  conduct  of  Esau  is  stained  with  a  deeper  dye  of  profanity, 
for  having  sold  his  birth-right,  for  even  a  mess  of  pottage.  Y^e  should 
regret  an  inability  to  render  unto  all  the  full  due,  when  there  is  no 
consciousness  of  criminal  intention,  or  even  of  imprudent  manage- 
ment." "Ministers,  especially,  should  be  an  example  to  the  church 
and  to  the  world,  in  thes«  things;  for  but  a  little  of  this  fashionable 
folly  of  the  day,  will  be  a  "  dead  fly  in  the  pot  of  ointment."  Their 
good  is  at  once  evil  spoken  of,  and  the  ministry  itself  is  blamed,  as 
being  engaged  in  [trade,]  because  found  to  be  a  convenient  employ- 
ment. Theirs  is  a  station,  where  it  is  difficult  to  stand,  and  unspeak- 
ably dangerous  to  fall,  an  incommodious  elevation.  Let  not  any 
church  be  accessory  to  their  minister's  engaging  in  any  kind  of  trade 
for  their  necessary  support.    If  it  is  latvfid,"we  judge  it  is  notexpedient. 

Such  sentiments  deserve  consideration,  in  these  days  of 
speculation,  by  both  ministers  and  churches,  if  we  would 
honor  the  Christian  profession,  and  "let  our  light  so  shine 
that  others  shall  see  our  good  works,  and  glorify  our  Father 
in  Heaven."  And  if,  as  suggested  in  the  above  extract, 
ministers  should  not  engage  in  worthy  traffic,  in  order  to  the 
support  of  a  growing  family,  should  not  their  churches,  to 
whom  they  sow  "spiritual  things,"  let  them  reap  a  sufficient 
harvest  "  of  temporal  things,"  for  the  honest  maintenance 
and  education  of  their  families,  who  cannot,  as  the  children 
of  others,  aid  much  toward  their  own  support.  Let  justice 
9     ^ 


182  SHAFTSBURy    ASSOCIATION.  [1827 

be  done  by  our  churches  to  the  spiritual  laborer  anil  his 
wants,  who  is  equally  worthy  of  his  hire,  as  the  man  who 
performs  mere  temporal  service,  and  whom  a  Christian,  or 
a  Christian  church,  would  scorn  to  oppress  in  his  wages. 

The  corresponding  letter  was  by  Brother  Beal,  who,  for 
several  years,  served  the  body,  as  its  corresponding  secretary. 
The  usual  general  meeting  ot  the  Association,  was  appoint- 
ed with  the  Schodack  Baptist  church,  the  last  Wednesday 
in  August ;  when  it  is  recorded,  "  the  minutes  were  read, 
corrected,  and  the  Association  adjourned." 

1827. 

The  Forty-seventh  Anniversary  of  this  Association  was 
held  with  the  Stephentown  church,  June  Cth  and  7th.  At 
10  o'clock  Elder  John  Cooper  of  Schenectady,  preached 
the  opening  sermon  from  2  Cor.  4:5,"  For  we  preach  not 
ourselves,  hut  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  and  ourselves  your  ser- 
vants for  Jesus  sake."  Elder  E,  D.  Hubbell  was  chosen 
Moderator,  Brother  Beal,  Clerk,  and  Elder  Israel  Keack, 
his  assistant.  The  minutes  report  26  churches,  17  ministers, 
14  of  them  present  ;  and  3  licentiates.  There  had  been 
added  by  baptism,  167  ;  by  letter,  37  ;  dismissed,  69  ;  exclu- 
ded, 34  ;  died,  1 9  ;  and  a  total  membership  was  found  in  all 
the  churches,  of  2,545.  The  Bennington  church,  just  formed, 
united  upon  application,  with  42  members  ;  and  the  2nd 
Shaftsbury  and  West  Stockh-idge  churches,  after  some  years 
absence,  from  the  councils  of  their  brethi-en,  returned  with 
their  messengers  and  statistical  condition. 

The  revivals  reported  this  year,  were  in  the  following 
churches :  The  Egremont  church  had  received  7  by  bap- 
tism ;  Hoosick,  13;  Schenectady,  18;  1  Shaftsbury,  now 
enjoying  the  undivided  labors  of  their  worthy  pastor,  39  ; 
Stephentown,  51  ;  White  Creek,  7  ;  and  W^aterford,  13.  It 
was  a  year  of  interest  in  these  churches,  as  the  Lord  had 
been  good  to  Israel,  in  a  portion  of  his  tribes. 

The  missionary  collections  reported  this  year  from  all  the 
churches  was  $200,69,  of  which  $150,69  was  forwarded 
to  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  in  Boston,  and 
the  rest  was  sent  to  the  New- York  Missionary  Convention, 
to  which  the  Association  had  now  become  auxiliary.     The 


CHAP.  V.J  FIFTH  TEN  YEARS.  183 

following  vote  of  sympathy  with  Dr.  Judson  at  the  loss  of 
his  wife,  is  recorded  on  the  minutes  of  this  year. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Association  express  their  sentiments 
of  affection  and  sympathy,  with  our  beloved  Brother  Judson, 
in  the  late  affliction  which  he  sustains  in  the  death  of  his 
beloved  wife. 

The  following  query  from  the  Schodach  church,  was  re- 
ferred to  a  committee,  composed  of  Elders  Hubbell,  Trum- 
bull and  Keach,  whose  report  was  accepted  by  the  body  and 
printed  in  the  minutes. 

"  Query  from  Schodack  church  ; — "  7s  it  right  to  exclude 
members  for  neglect  of  communion  ?"  To  which  the  follow- 
ing answer  is  recorded  :  "  That  we  think  for  a  general  rule, 
a  continued  neglect  of  attending  to  the  ordinance  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  merits  exclusion.  Notwithstanding,  as  such 
a  neglect  may  originate  from  different  causes,  we  think  that 
these  causes  ought,  by  the  church,  to  be  taken  into  consi- 
deration, and  the  individual  so  neglecting,  be  treated  as  cir- 
cumstances may  require.  Of  some  have  compassio?i,  making 
a  difference,  and  others  save  loith  fear,  pulling  them  out  of 
the  fire,  hating  even  the  garments  spotted  by  the  flesh.  (Jude, 
22":  23.)" 

By  a  vote  of  the  association  this  year,  "  the  several 
churches  are  requested  to  give  us,  at  the  next  session,  a 
statement  of  the  time  of  their  constitution."  But  if  this  vote 
ever  received  any  attention,  the  traces  of  it  do  not  appear 
in  the  minutes  of  after  years.  This  was  designed,  to  aid 
the  committee  on  the  history  of  the  association  in  their  work, 
60  far  at  least  as  a  correct  statement  of  the  date  of  churches 
might  be  obtained  ;  but  the  indifference  of  the  churches  to 
the  whole  subject  so  discouraged  the  effort  that  it  entirely 
failed. 

Correspondence  was  opened  with  the  Berkshire  associa- 
tion, by  their  request,  and  "  Elders  Keach,  Olmstead,  Savo- 
ry and  Marshall,  were  appointed  delegates  to  its  next  ses- 
sion at  Pittsfield,  the  last  Wednesday  in  May,  1828."  Thus 
did  the  mother  give  her  blessings  to  this  young  daughter  in 
her  settlement,  and  finally  bequeathed  her  the  whole  Bap- 
tist territory  of  Berkshire  county  as  her  dowry,  though  it 
was  a  number  of  years,  before  all  the  churches  in  that  coun- 
ty could  leave  the  embraces  of  the  mother,  even  to  stay  in 


184  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1827 

their  own  mountain  home.  It  seemed  like  the  separation 
of  Naomi  and  her  daughters  ;  while  Orphah  went  back, 
and  was  content  like  some  of  those  churches  ;  Ruth  said, — 
"Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee,  or  return  from  following  af- 
ter thee  : — for  whitlier  thou  goest,  I  will  go  ;  and  where 
thou  lodgest,  I  will  lodge  : — thy  people  shall  be  my  peo- 
ple, and  thy  God,  my  God: — Where  thou  diest,  will  1  die, 
and  there  will  I  be  buried ;  the  Lord  do  so  to  me,  and  more 
also,  if  ought  but  death,  part  thee  and  me."  (Ruth,  I:  16, 
17.)  So  a  number  of  the  Berkshire  churches  cleaved  to 
their  foster  mother,  until  the  affairs  of  their  own  county 
called  so  loudly  for  their  help.  They  at  last  have  all  become 
settled,  we  believe,  in  their  own  home,  with  one  or  two  ex- 
ceptions ;  a  loving  band  of  churches,  enterprising,  benevo- 
lent, and  prosperous  amid  the  cultivated  hills  and  mountain 
sides,  and  along  the  fertile  valleys  of  Old  Berkshire ;  where 
the  quiet  Hoosick  murmurs  on  its  way,  and  the  })lacid  wa- 
ters of  the  Housatonic  sparkle  in  the  sun-beam,  while  they 
move  a  hundred  water-wheels,  that  drive  the  machinery  of 
the  manufjictories  of  western  Massachusetts. 

The  circular  of  this  year  "On  the  sanctity  of  the  Chris- 
tian Sabbath,"  is  very  well  written,  and  as  we  suppose,  from 
the  pen  of  Elder  Augustus  Beach  of  Pittsfield,  Mass.  The 
corresponding  letter  was  by  Elder  John  Harris  of  1  Nas- 
sau :  though  after  this  year,  a  member  of  the  Saratoga 
body  for  many  years,  and  now  living  at  Battle  Creek,  in 
Michigan.  We  cannot  refrain  from  inserting  this  Epistle  of 
Christian  Love  and  Faith  in  the  promises  of  God,  for  the 
edification  of  the  present  generation  of  the  disciples  of  Jesus; 
the  more,  because  we  can  now  see  how  the  anticipations  of 
God's  ^eo\i\e  twenty-five  years  ago,  have  been  fulfilled  in  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel,  among  the  Eastern  nations.  We  can 
"  Behold  what  God  has  wrought"  and  rejoice  that  the  king- 
dom is  his,  and  the  government  of  the  church,  as  well  as  the 
world,  upon  the  shoulders  of  Immanuel. 

"  The  SnAFSTBURY  Baiti&t  Association,  to  the  several  Associations 
with  which  we  correspond,  Greeting  : 
"Dearly  Beloved  Breturex  in  Christ  the  Lord, 

"Each  revolving  year  is  distinguished  by  events  which  display  the 
perfections  of  Zion's  King,  in  his  reign  of  righteousness,   and  furnish 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH    TEN    YEARS.  185 

matter  of  assurance,  that  ultimate  victory  shall  crown  the  church,  un- 
der the  perfect  administration  of  his  government. 

"  We  are  yearly  presented  with  the  pleasing  view  of  Zion's  length, 
ening  her  cords,  and  strengthening  her  stakes,  and  in  defiance  of  all 
her  enemies,  triumphantly  wielding  those  mighty  weapons  of  her  war- 
fare, furnished  from  the  armory  of  God.  Great  is  the  cause  of  re- 
oicing  with  the  friends  of  Jesus,  when  those  who  love  his  name,  feel 
prompted  by  the  benevolence  of  the  Gospel,  to  combine  their  energies 
to  promote  his  kingdom  in  every  part  of  the  earth.  And  we,  brethren, 
cannot  but  rejoice  that  the  number  and  zeal  of  those  benevolent  so- 
cieties, whose  object  is  to  build  up  Zion,  are  yearly  increasing.  We 
behold  with  pleasure,  that  they  are  carrying  forward  their  operations 
with  a  fixed  heart,  a  steady  hand,  encouraged  by  the  prospect  of  the 
certain  fulfillment  of  the  promise ;  "  The  knowledge  of  the  glory  of 
God,  shall  fill  the  whole  earth."  Through  theii-  instrumentality,  we 
enjoy  the  delightful  prospect  of  channels  of  gospel  influence  opening 
into  the  dreary  empire  of  Pagan  darkness,  and  gentle  streams  of  sal- 
vation flowing,  whereby  the  desert  blossoms,  and  fruits  immortal 
ripen  the  glory  of  Immanuel.  Every  weapon  formed  against  the 
spread  of  gospel  influence,  at  home  or  abroad,  have  proved  alike  unsuc" 
cessful,  and  the  banners  of  salvation  wave  with  increasing  triumph 
on  the  plains  of  India,  the  shores  of  Africa,  and  the  isles  of  the  sea  ; 
while  the  Holy  Spirit  hovers  over  our  own  land,  displaying  his  power 
in  the  salvation  of  thousands.  O  what  cause  have  we  for  thanksgiv- 
ing, in  view  of  what  God  hath  wrought  ?  Then  let  us  shake  om-selves 
from  slumber  and  put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God ;  let  us  never  be 
disheartened  in  the  good  cause,  though  some  gloomy  providences  hang 
over  particular  sections  of  the  field  of  gospel  labor. 

"  That  God  who  has  commanded  the  rage  ®f  war  to  cease  in  Bur. 
mah,  and  delivered  the  missionaries  from  fetters,  and  prisons,  and 
violent  death,  can  gather  the  scattered  disciples  and  build  up  his  glo- 
rious kingdom,  though  some  of  the  dear  missionaries  sleep  in  the  si- 
lent grave.  Whilst,  therefore,  we  drop  the  tear  of  affection  and  sym- 
pathy, with  our  afilicted  brother  Judson,  for  his  and  our  loss,  let  us 
cleave  to  the  promises  of  God,  as  the  fast  anchor-ground  of  our  hopes 
and  pray  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  will  send  forth  faithful  laborers 
into  the  harvest.  We  wish  to  enjoy  the  favors  of  your  correspond- 
ence until  we  shall  be  received  into  that  department  of  the  kingdom 
of  our  God,  where  local  barriers  never  exist,  to  prevent   our  inter- 


186  SHAFTSBITRY   ASSOCIATION.  [1828 

course  with  each  other  ;  or  veils  of  flesh  and  imperfection  obscure 
our  vision  from  the  lustre  of  the  Redeemer's  glory." 

"  George  W.  Beal,  CTeri     )     Elxsh^D.Rvbbkll,  Moderator.-' 
"  Israel  Keaoh,  Assistant.   ) 

1828. 

The  Forty-eighth  Session  of  this  body  was  held  at  Pow- 
nal,  Vt.,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  June  4th  and  5th, 
when  according  to  appointment.  Elder  Hubbell  preached 
the  introductory  sermon,  from  1  Cor.  15  :  20,  •'  But  now  is 
Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first  fruits  of 
them  that  slept."  Elder  Hubbell  was  re-elected  Modera- 
tor ;  and  Br.  G.  VV.  Beal,  Clerk.  There  were  25  churches 
reported  this  year  ;  1 3  ministers,  of  whom  only  8  were  pre- 
sent ;  and  4  licentiates.  There  had  been  no  powerful  re- 
vivals, and  only  91  baptised  in  all  the  churches  ;  40  added 
by  letter ;  while  102  had  been  dismissed  ;  42  excluded  ; 
21  deceased  ;  and  a  total  was  found  of  2,-353.  The  1  Ca- 
naan church  had  received  20  by  baptism,  under  the  pastoral 
Cai-e  of  Elder  Edavin  Sandys  ;  and  the  Stephentown,  1 6  ; 
while  a  few  had  been  buried  in  baptism  in  most  of  the 
churches. 

The  church  in  Waterford  was  represented  by  two  sets  of 
messengers,  each  bearing  an  epistle,  which  compelled  the 
appointment  of  a  committee  of  investigation,  to  find  out 
which  was  the  real  church  in  that  village.  This  committee 
decided,  and  so  did  the  association  also,  "  That  judging  from 
the  result  of  a  previous  council,  and  from  the  facts  brought 
before  us,  we  are  of  opinion  that  the  church  in  Waterford, 
represented  by  letter  and  signed  by  Ezekiel  II.  Whitney, 
Clerk,  ought  to  be  recognized  as  belonging  to  this  Associa- 
tion." The  full  history  of  the  trials  that  divided  the  Water- 
ford Baptist  church,  in  1827,  might  not  be  in  place  here, 
could  we  set  in  array  all  the  facts  in  the  case,  which  bear 
upon  the  painful  subject.  Suffice  it  to  say,  inasmuch  as  for 
two  or  three  years,  these  trials  affected  the  action  of  the  as- 
sociation itself,  they  arose  chiefly  from  the  stand  that  church 
took  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1827,  adverse  to  the  Institu- 
tion of  Speculative  Free-masonry,  soon  after  the  abduction 
of  the  ill-fiited  Morgan  in  Western  New  York,  and  his  sup- 
posed murder  by  the  hands  of  masonic  agents.  But  we  cannot 


CHAP,    v.]  FIFTH    TEN   YEARS.  187 

expatiate  upon  this  dark  cliapter  in  the  social,  civil  and  re- 
ligious history  of  those  times,  from  1826  to  1831,  when  the 
spirit  of  party  raged  so  violently  in  the  bosoms  of  men,  as  in 
many  instances  to  destroy  the  peace  and  happiness  of  fami- 
lies, neighborhoods  and  churches.  May  such  scenes  never 
again  recur  among  us,  as  we  remember  to  have  been  enact- 
ed in  those  years  !  And  may  the  fruitful  cause  of  such 
party  feuds  no  more  be  let  loose,  like  the  opening  of  Pando- 
ra's box,  upon  the  face  of  society,  to  blight  and  destroy  its 
peace  and  happiness.  It  may  be  our  duty  as  faithful  chroni- 
clers of  passing  events  in  the  action  of  this  body,  to  recur 
again  to  this  subject,  but  we  shall  do  it  with  more  of  sorrow 
than  o^ gratification,  as  a  matter  of  faithfulness  to  the  cause 
of  truth  and  righteousness.  Many  things,  undoubtedly, 
were  done  by  good  and  well-meaning  men  on  both  sides, 
under  the  then  present  impulses,  that  a  more  mature  and 
prayerful  deliberation  in  view  of  a  future  judgment,  Avould 
not  have  been  allowed  by  them 

Several  impostors  were  advertised  this  year,  whose  names 
were  found  in  the  minutes  of  the  corresponding  bodies  ;  in 
the  following  words  :  "  The  committee  to  examine  corres- 
ponding minutes  report,  That  we  find  the  notice  of  three 
impostors  in  different  Minutes,  viz  : — Amos  Broad,  Samuel 
J.  Gouncill,  sometimes  Gonsell  or  Counceil,  and  Thomas 
Prentis,  travelling  in  the  character  of  preachers." 

The  collections  for  Benevolent  purposes,  were  less  than 
usual  this  year,  being  only  S112,92,  as  reported  in  the  min- 
utes. The  circular  letter,  "  On  the  final  perseverance  of  the 
Saints  "  was  written  by  Elder  J.  Cooper,  as  we  suppose  ; 
and  the  corresponding  one,  by  Elder  I.  Keach,  this  year. 
Sermons  were  preached  by  Elder  Bruce  from  Isaiah,  6  : 
12,  and  by  Elder  Sweet  on  Thursday,  from  2  Tim.  1  :  9, 
and  a  collection  of  S9,34  taken  up,  for  missions. 

It  was  ordered  by  the  association,  "  that  the  Constitution 
be  printed  with  the  last  amendment,  as  it  is  accepted  by  the 
resolution  of  the  last  session."  That  resolution  reads  as  fol- 
lows, and  was  designed  to  bring  the  tardy  action  of  the  sev- 
eral churches  to  a  final  decision  in  regard  to  some  proposed 
amendments,  which  had  been  under  consideration  a  number 
of  years  ;  but  had  not  been  responded  to  by  two  thirds  of  the 
churches  :  "  Resolved,  That   the    churches  be  requested  to 


188  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1828 

express  at  our  next  session,  their  opinion  of  the  constitu- 
tion, ^Yith  the  late  revisions,  &-C.;  and  that  silence  on  this 
subject  shall  be  considered  approbation." — [Min.  1827,  p.  6.3 
And  now  we  will  give  this  document  as  thus  sanctioned, 
and  printed,  in  the  minutes  of  1828  ;  which  was  the  last 
time  it  can  be  found  in  the  tile  of  minutes. 

"  THE  CONSTITUTION,  OR  PLAN" 

OF    THE 

SHAFTSBURY  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 

"  la  all  incorporated  Bodies,  'wliether  civil  or  religious,  so  mucb 
power  ought  to  be  vested  in  them  as  is  necessary  to  carry  into  effect 
the  use  and  design  of  such  corporation  and  no  more.     Hence, 

As  every  Gospel  ehurch,  duly  organized,  is  fully  empowered  to 
execute  every  branch  of  chtirch  discipline,  it  would  be  usurpation  for 
any  other  body  of  men  lehat&ver,  to  claim  the  right  of  judging  decisivcli/ 
for  it,  either  in  matters  of  faith  or  practice.  "We  therefore  believe 
that  individual  churches  have  no  license  from  the  Lord  Jesus  to  enter 
into  any  combination  or  agreement  whatever,  so  as  to  concentrate  their 
power  of  discipline  by  delegation  :  Consequently,  we  as  an  Associa- 
tion, uttterly  disclaim  all  right  of  interference  with  the  discipline  of 
particular  churches. 

"  It  is,  therefore,  necessary,  that  we  should  ascertain  the  particular 
use  and  design  of  our  incorporation,  as  abody  of  associated  churches 
which  are  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  I.  To  meet  by  our  Delegates,  at  stated  seasons,  in  a  free,  Chris- 
tian Conference,  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  and  strengthening  our 
fellowship  in  the  Ooppel,  by  freely  communicatmg  to  each  other  our 
views  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  and  of  the  joys  and  sorrows  that 
await  Zion  in  this  world,  that  we  may  sympathise  with,  and  pray 
for  each  other,  amid  the  changes  of  Time. 

"  II.  To  give  our  opinion  and  advice,  on  any  queries  that  may  be 
presented  from  the  churches,  that  relate  to  doctrine  or  discipline  ; 
provided  always,  the  solution  of  them  is  not  so  circumstanced  as  to  in- 
terfere with  the  government  of  particular  churches. 

"  III.  The  Association  is  designed  for  a  medium  to  receive  and 
communicate  official  information  of  the  general  state  of  the  churches, 
not  only  in  our  own,  but  in  other  Associations  in  different  parts  of 
the  world. 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH  TEN  YEARS.  189 

"  IV.  Through  this  medium  also,  we  obtain  information  of  the 
circumstances  of  those  which  are  destitute  of  a  preached  gospel,  and 
have  opportunity  to  advise  to,  and  recommend  some  suitable  method 
of  sending  them  relief. 

"  V.  We  have  also  an  opportunity  to  know  when  individual  church- 
es have  searched  out  and  brought  to  light  apostate  churches  or  min- 
isters, and  to  give  suitable  information  to  tlie  churches  in  our  conven- 
tion, and  to  the  public  in  general,  that  they  may  avoid  them.  In  a 
word,  our  design  in  this  combination  of  churches,  is,  to  be  mutual 
helpers  of  each  other,  in  striving  to  promote  the  interest  of  the  Divine 
Reedeemer  in  the  earth ;  to  preserve  purity  of  doctrine  and  discipline, 
to  guard  against  men  who  are  corrupt,  either  in  doctrine  or  practice  ; 
and  to  present  to  the  world,  our  united  efforts  against  the  corruptions 
of  the  age  in  which  we  live. 

"A  SuMMA-RY  of  our  Ykyivl,  which  vie  believe  and  feel  ourselves  un- 
der obligation  to  maintain  and  practice,  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

ARTICLES  OF  FAITH. 

"  I.  "VVe  believe  that  there  is  but  one  God,  who  is  denominated  in 
the  Scriptures,  the  Father  Son,  and  Ifoly  Ghost :  that  these  three  are 
One  only  living  and  true  God,  the  author  of  all  created  beings  and 
things. 

"  II.  We  believe  that  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments were  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  that  they  are  an  un- 
erring rule  of  faith  and  practice  for  mankind. 

"  III  We  believe  that  God  made  man  upright ;  that  he  has  fallen 
and  become  sinful ;  that  all  his  posterity  is  wholly  depraved  and  in- 
clined to  evil ;  that  the  just  demerit  of  sin  is  eternal  punishment  ; 
and  that  the  only  way  of  salvation  from  sin  and  misery,  is  by  the  sove- 
reign gi-ace  of  God,  through  the  atonement  of  Christ  Jesus. 

"  IV.  We  believe  that  all  that  ever  will  be  saved,  were  chosen  in 
Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began. 

"V.  We  believe  that  all  whom  God  chose  in  eternity  he  will  call  in 
time,  by  his  eiEcacious  grace,  qualify  them  for,  and  bring  them  to,  hia 
Kingdom  of  glory. 

"  VI.  We  believe  that  the  Son  of  God  will  come  to  judge  the  world 
in  righteousness ;  that  there  will  be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both 
of  the  just  and  unjust ;  that  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  and  the 
happiness  of  the  righteous,  will  be  eternal. 


190  SHAFTSBURY     ASSOCIATION.  [1828 

"VII.  "We  believe  that  Baptism,  by  immersion,  is  the  only  right 
mode ;  and  that  believers,  professing  faith  in  Christ,  are  the  only 
l)roper  subjects  of  baptism. 

"  VIII.  We  believe  that  the  Lord's  Supper  is  an  institution  of 
Christ,  designed  for  liis  church,  and  that  none  ought  to  be  admitted 
to  it  but  such  as  have  been  baptised  upon  the  profession  of  their  faith, 
and  have  united  to  a  gospel  church. 

"  IX.  We  believe  that  the  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  Lord's  day, 
or  the  christian  Sabbath  ;  and  that  it  ought  to  be  held  sacred  to  the 
memory  of  Christ's  glorious  resurrection,  and  devoted,  in  a  special 
manner,  to  the  duties  of  religion. 

"  To  carry  into  effect  the  design  of  our  union  we  adapt  the  follomyig 
Plan. 

"I.  The  Association  shall  be  composed  of  such  members  as  the 
churches  of  the  union  may  duly  elect  send  and  for  that  purpose  ;  and 
letters  from  their  respective  churches,  certifying  thfir  appointment 
and  the  present  state  of  their  churches,  shall  be  sufficient  credentials 
to  entitle  them  to  a  seat. 

"  II.  Any  churches  who  wish  to  be  received  into  this  union,  may 
apply  by  letter  and  messengers  ;  and  on  giving  satisfactory  informa- 
tion of  their  being  duly  organized,  sound  in  faith  and  practice,  they 
may  be  received;  and  as  a  token  of  the  same,  the  Moderator,  in  be- 
half of  the  Association,  shall  give  them  the  right  hand  of  fellowship. 

"  III.  A  Moderator  and  Clerk  shall  be  annually  chosen,  who  shall 
continue  in  office  until  succeeded  by  a  new  appointment  of  persons  to 
fill  said  offices, 

"IV.  It  shall  ever  be  considered  contrary  to  the  rules  of  this  Asso. 
eiation,  for  any  one  church  or  person,  to  present  to  this  body,  a  com- 
plaint against  any  church,  minister,  or  member  of  a  churcli  belonging 
to  this  body,  nntil  the  matter  of  their  difficulty  has  been  taken  up  by 
some  church,  or  churches,  so  that  the  parties  concerned  have  had  a 
fair  trial,  and  the  matter  is  so  circumstanced  that  it  has  become 
necessary,  tiirough  the  medium  of  this  body,  to  inform  the  public  of 
the  apostacy  of  the  delinquent,  or  delinquents. 

"  V.  If  any  Church  of  this  body  becomes  corrupt  in  faith  or  prac- 
tice, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  neighboring  churches,  having  know- 
ledge of  the  same,  to  commence  a  labor   with  said    Church;  if  it 
continues  obstinate  and  cannot  be  gained,  the  matter  shall  be  left  t  o 
the   decision  of  a  mutual  council,  whose  report  to  the  Association 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH    TEN    YEAUS.  191 

shall  be  sufficient  warraut  to  the  AsBOciation,  to  restore  to  fello-wship, 
or  drop  said  offending  Church  from  the  minutes.  In  case  the  offend- 
ing Church  shall  refuse  to  unite  and  call  a  mutual  council,  proof  of 
the  same  being  produced  to  the  Association,  it  shall  be  considered  as 
regularly  out  of  fellowship,  and  be  dropped  from  the  minutes. 

"  VI.  If  a  brother  in  the  ministry  has  become  con-upt,  and  will  not 
give  satisfaction,  complaint  must  be  made  to  the  church  to  which  he 
belongs  ;  and  if  they  will  not  put  him  away,  it  becomes  a  difficulty 
with  the  church,  aud  must  be  proceeded  with  as  above ;  and  if  a  sister 
ehurch  or  churches  with  it,  have  just  cause  to  reject  a  minister  from 
fellowship,  it  is  reasonable  to  give  information  officially  to  the  Asso- 
ciation, so  that  they  may  give  notice  to  the  world,  that  the  public 
may  not  be  imposed  upon  by  men  of  corrupt  principles. 

"  VII.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Association  to  give  their  opinion  and 
advice  on  such  queries  as  may  be  sent  from  any  church  in  the  Union 
provided  always,  that  the  solution  of  them  be  not  so  circumstanced 
as  to  interfere  with  the  government  of  particular  churches. 

"  VIII.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Association,  from  time  to  time, 
to  suggest  to  the  churches  what  they  think  most  expedient  to  be 
done  to  promote  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  the  world. 

"  IX.  The  Association  shall  have  a  right  to  open  and  hold  corres- 
pondence with  other  Associations,  as  they  may  think  proper. 

"  X.  The  Association  shall,  annually,  publish  an  attested  copy  of 
their  proceedings,  for  the  information  of  the  churches ;  so  that  if 
any  church  is  dissatisfied,  it  may  have  opportunity  to  remonstrate  at 
the  next  session.  Each  church  in  the  Union  is  considered  under 
obligation  to  bear  their  equal  proportion  of  the  necessary  expense  of 
such  publication.  The  time  and  place  of  meeting  shall  be  appointed 
at  each  preceding  session. 

"  Any  church  not  choosing  to  become,  or  to  continue  a  member  of 
this  Association,  shall  not  be  considered  as  out  of  fellowship,  merely 
on  that  account ;  yet,  if  a  church  has  joined,  it  is  not  Christian-like  to 
leave  the  Association,  without  giving  suitable  notice  thereof;  in  con. 
sequence  of  which,  it  will  be  the  duty  of  the  Association  to  inquire 
after  said  church.  A  neglect  to  send  letters  or  delegates  for  three 
years  successively,  shall  be  considered  as  sufficient  cause  to  drop  such 
church  from  the  minutes. 

"  XI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator  to  preside  in  tho 
meeting ;  and  when  any  matter  is  verbally  brought  forward,  to  reduce 


192  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1828 

it  to  a  proper  form,  and  to  call  for  tbe  attention  of  the  Association 
to  decide  thereon.  He  is  also  to  see  that  not  more  than  one  speak 
at  a  time.  If  the  brother  speaking  shall  be  tedious,  or  swerve  from 
the  point  in  view,  the  Moderator  shall  call  him  to  order ;  and  when 
a  point  has  been  sufficiently  discussed,  he  shall  reduce  it  to  a  vote. 
Every  motion  made,  and  seconded,  unless  withdrawn,  shall  be  put  to 
vote  by  the  Moderator. 

"XII.  No  member  of  the  Association  shall  be  allowed  to  retii-e 
from  the  business  thereof,  without  leave  of  the  Moderator.  Every 
person  speaking,  shall  address  the  Moderator,  who  shall  preside  in 
the  meeting,  so  as  to  see  that  all  things  be  conducted  with  propriety. 

"  XIII.  Whereas,  there  are  papers,  and  other  articles,  belonging  to 
the  Association,  which  are  of  importance  ;  and  whereas,  we  have  no 
fixed  or  permanent  depository  for  them ;  the  Association  shall  ap- 
point a  standing  secretary,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  take  charge  of 
such  deposits,  and  do  such  other  business  as  the  Association  shall 
point  out  to  him  from  time  to  time,  as  his  duty  ;  and  the  said  secre- 
tary shall  hold  his  office  during  the  pleasure  of  the  Association. 

"  Lastly.  The  churches  shall  have  a  right  to  alter  or  amend  thl^ 
Constitution,  whenever  two  thirds  of  them  shall  deem  it  necessary  or 
proper." 

Such  are  the  fundamental  principles  by  which  this  Asso- 
ciation has  been  regulated  for  nearly  one  half  a  century,  hav- 
ing been  adopted  in  1807,  by  an  almost  unanimous  approval 
of  the  34  churches  then  composing  the  body ;  and  never 
altered  in  any  essential  point  from  that  day  to  this.  The 
amendments  effected  in  1823  to  '28,  only  modified  in  unim- 
portant particulars,  the  5th,  lOth  and  12th  articles  of  the 
PlaNj  or  as  we  might  properly  call  them,  the  By-Laws  of 
the  Association.*     Thus  we  see  the  clear-headedness  of  the 

♦  The  followinc;  is  the  reading  of  the  old  fifth  article  of  the  plan,  and  which  Is  the 
main  alteration  in  the  whole  document. 

"V.  If  any  church  of  the  union  shall  become  corrupt  in  doctrine  or  practice,  it 
Bliall  be  the  duty  of  any  sister  church  who  may  have  knowledge  of  the  same,  to 
labor  with  said  offendine  church.  If  satisfaction  is  not  obtained,  it  will  then  be- 
come necessary  for  the  aggrieved  church  to  call  for  the  advice  and  asssistance  of 
other  churches  :  and  if  tliey  judge  there  is  sufficient  ground  to  suspend  fellowship 
witli  the  delinquent  Church,  tlicir  testimiony  and  report  to  the  Association  sliall  be 
a  sufficient  reason  to  drop  it  from  the  minutes,  and  to  publish  to  the  world,  that 
they  have  withdrawn  that  fellowship  which  they  bad  given  to  said  delinquent 
Church." 

As  to  the  Tenth  article  there  is  no  change,  save  a  merely  verbal  one  of  a  line  or 
two,  not  atfecting  the  meaning  ;  and  the  want  of  the  last  sentence  as  given  above, 
In  the  new  plan,  of  thin  tenth  article,  vir:  "A  neglect  to  send  letters  or  delegates 


CHAP,    v.]  FIFTH  TEN  YEARS.  193 

venerable  Blood,  Hull,  and  Webb,  whose  revision  in  1806, 
of  the  older  constitution  or  plan,  gave  this  valuable  one  to 
their  successors  for  so  long  a  period.  And  how  could  vre 
improve  upon  it,  should  we  make  the  attempt?  It  defines 
the  province  of  the  Association,  and  guards  the  independence 
of  the  churches  in  maintaining  their  own  discipline  and 
affairs ;  while  it  suggests,  we  think,  a  Gospel  course  in  aid- 
ing churches  by  counsel  in  their  trials,  and  properly  binds 
the  sisterhood  of  churches  in  the  body,  by  a  law  of  mutual 
obligation  to  watch  over  and  guard  each  other's  purity  in 
the  faith  in  a  general  way,  with  fraternal  kindness  and 
labor  ;  just  as  the  individual  members  of  a  given  church  are 
required  to  do  to  each  other  by  the  rules  of  the  Gospel.  We 
say  then,  let  this  noble  relic  of  olden  times,  so  sound  and 
practical,  in  its  views,  be  perpetuated  as  a  standing  monu- 
ment of  the  wisdom  of  the  Fathers  of  this  body  who  are 
now  no  more  among  us  in  the  church  militant.  If  in  any 
thing  an  improvement  be  made  upon  it,  let  it  be  in  author- 
izing by  a  standing  resolution  of  the  hody,  that  the  plan  or 
by-laws  be  read  every  year  from  the  chair,  and  the  whole 
printed  anew  every  five  years,  or  oftener,  so  that  it  can  be 
better  studied  and  practiced  in  the  future  doings  of  the  body. 

1829. 

The  Forty-ninth  session  of  the  Association  was  held  at 
Shaftshury  with  Klder  Mattison's  church,  according  to  ap- 
pointment, on  the  3d  and  4th  days  of  June.  The  opening 
sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Enos  Marshall,  Jr.,  of 
Egremont,  Mass,  from  Eph.  2:21,  "in  whom  all  the  build' 
ing,  fitly  framed  together,  groweth  unto  a  holy  temple  in  the 
Lord." 

Elder  Hubbell  was  moderator,  and  Brother  Beal,  clerk, 
and  Elder  Keach  assistant.  No  revival  was  reported  in 
any  church,  8,  being  the  largest  number  baptised  by  any 
pastor,  and  this  was  Elder  Keach  of  Hoosick.  There  were 
23  churches  recorded  in  the  minutes,  4  of  whom  made  no 

for  three  years  successively,  sball  be  considered  as  sufficient  caiise  to  drop  such 
church  from  the  minutes." 

And  in  regard  to  the  Ticelfth  article,  the  old  form  runs  thus,  in  the  last  line,  \'iz : 
"so  as  to  seo  tliat  all  things  be  conducted  with  decormn,  propriety,  and  in  good 
order,"  instead  of  "with  propriety."  See  Minutes  of  1806,  Page  15, 17. 


194  SHAFTSBiniT   ASSOCIATION.  [1829 

returns;  15  ministers,  only  9  of  whom  were  present;  and 
3  licentiates;  27  in  all  had  been  baptised;  21  added  by 
letter  ;  while  94  had  been  dismissed;  31  excluded  ;  and  25 
deceased,  leaving  a  total  of  2,185,  in  fellowship.  For  some 
reason,  not  explained  in  the  minutes,  the  1st  Nassau  church 
had  dismissed  the  unusual  number  of  40,  during  the  year, 
who  seem  not  to  have  united  with  any  other  church  in  the 
body.  The  missionary  contributions  only  amounted  to 
S92,9l  during  this  session,  of  which  SI 6,38  were  from  a 
collection  made,  after  a  sermon  at  the  close  of  the  session. 
The  Washington  Association  formed  in  Oct.  1826,  was 
fellowshipped  this  year,  by  this  body,  and  taken  into  its 
correspondence. 

Both  the  circular  and  corresponding  letters  were  written 
by  Elder  Mattison,  this  year.  The  first  is  "Ox  Christ- 
ian Practice  and  Vital  Piety;"  and  is  full  of  good 
thoughts  and  counsels.  The  latter  commends  Sunday 
Schools  to  favorable  regard,  and  as  worthy  the  patronage  of 
Baptists,  throughout  the  land.  A  proposition  was  made  to 
divide  the  Association  so  as  to  leave  the  old  mother  only  her 
Vermont  domain,  which  had  never  been  very  large  or  pro- 
ductive ;  and  the  churches  were  requested  to  express  their 
opinion  upon  it,  at  the  next  anniversary.  At  the  next  ses- 
sion it  was  "resolved  that  it  was  inexpedient,  at  present  to 
divide  the  Association."  Some  other  items  of  business  were 
transacted,  that  we  need  not  record. 

1830. 

The  Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  this  body  was  held  with  the 
First  Baptist  Church  in  Nassau,  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
the  venerable  Justus  Hull,  formerly  of  Berlin.  Elder 
Israel  Keach  of  Hoosick  preached  the  opening  discourse 
from  Ezek.  11  :  19,  20.  The.  p readier  was  chosen  Moder- 
ator^ and  Elder  C.  W.  Hodges  of  3d  Shaftsbury,  clerk, 
and  Elder  W.  G.  Johnson,  of  Stamford,  assistant.  The 
minutes  give  the  names  of  26  churches  in  the  body, 
but  there  was  no  information,  by  letter  or  messengers  from 
2d  Canaan,  Pownal,  2d  Shaftsbury,  Sheffield  and  White 
Creek  churches.  There  were  19  ordained  ministers,  of 
whom    18  were   present;  and  3    unordained.     There   had 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH    TEN  YEARS.  195 

been  added  by  baptism  to  all  the  churches,  84 ;  by  letter  37; 
while  45  had  been  dismissed  ;  35  excluded;  18  had  died; 
and  there  was  a  total  of  2,082.  Three  churches  had  been 
favored  with  refreshing  drops  of  mercy  and  been  made  to 
rejoice  in  God,  while  they  gathered  by  the  water  side  to 
witness  the  burial  of  young  converts  in  the  liquid  grave. 
The  1  Nassau  church  had  received  13  by  baptism  ;  the  3d 
Shaftsbury,  35 ;  and  the  Stamford,  1-6.  The  Arlington 
church  was  received  this  session  again  with  a  membership 
of  76,  and  continued  for  a  number  of  years,  till  it  finally 
became  extinct.  And  according  to  their  request,  the  West 
Hillsdale  church  was  dismissed  to  the  Hudson  River  As- 
sociation. In  the  minutes  of  this  year,  for  ihejirst  time  we 
find  a  brief  digest  from  the  letters  of  the  state  of  the  several 
churches,  that  were  represented,  a  practice  that  has  fre- 
quently followed  since.  At  this  session  also,  the  cause  of 
Temperance,  for  the  first  time,  received  a  distinct  notice, 
as  it  has  often  had  since,  by  this  body.  It  is  said  that  "Eld- 
er HuBBELL  delivered  a  discourse  on  Temperance,  in  which 
the  doctrine  of  total  ahstijience  from  intoxicating  drinks, 
was  feelingly  urged."  And  on  the  second  day  of  the  ses- 
sion it  is  thus  recorded  ;  "On  motion  of  brother  Hubbell 
the  following  preamble  and  resolution  was  adopted  : 

"Whereas  the  cause  of  Temperance,  is  closely  connected 
with  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  and  is  already  greatly  increased; 
Therefore,  resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  members  of 
our  churches,  toted  abstinence  from  distilled  liquors,  and  that 
they,  by  example,  remonstrance,  and  entreaty,  endearor  to 
influence  all  around  them  to  like  abstinence."  [Minutes 
Pages  5,  6.] 

And  immediately  following  the  above  resolution  we  find 
the  Association  expressing  itself  in  this  manner,  in  regard 
to  the  subject  of  speculative  Free-Masonry  : 

"On  motion,  resolved,  That  this  Association  recommend  to 
brethren,  belonging  to  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  to  satisfy  the 
churches  with  which  they  are  connected,  that  all  allegiance 
to  that  institution  is  forever  absolved."     [Page  6.] 

As  new  impostors  claiming  to  be  ministers  in  good  stand- 
ing were  traveling  the  country  and  deceiving  the  people, 
the  following  very  good  advice  was  commended  to  the 
churches ;  from  the  minutes  of  the  New  York  Association ; 


196  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATIOX.  [1830 

"Whereas  the  churches,  especially  those  in  country  places, 
are  frequently  imposed  upon  by  men  travelling  under  the 
guise  of  Baptist  ministers  ;  and  whereas  the  mere  publica- 
tion of  their  names  has  not  successfully  checked  their  iniqui- 
tous career,  tiirs  Association  particularly  request  and  advise 
the  brethren,  not  to  invite  a  stranger  to  minister  in  holy 
things,  unless  he  bears  with  him  a  recommendation  of  re- 
cent date,  from  some  regular  Baptist  church," 

The  circular  letter  was  prepared  by  a  committee,  Elders 
Hubbell,  Johnson  and  Sandys,  as  Brother  Beal,  failed  to 
furnish  one,  who  had  been  appointed  the  last  year  to  this 
service.  The  theme  of  it  is  "  Christian  discipline'^  or  church 
discipline  more  properly,  it  might  be  named.  It  has  some 
good  points  in  it,  but  it  was  too  hastily  written  to  be  re-print- 
ed. The  corresponding  letter  by  Elder  Hodges,  is  brief, 
pertinent  and  paternal,  like  its  excellent  author. 

Affer  the  business  of  this  interesting  session  was  closed, 
it  is  recorded  "harmoniously,  the  Moderator,  in  behalf  of 
the  Association,  presented  their  thanks  to  the  church  and 
congregation,  for  their  hospitality  and  kind  attention  during 
the  session  ;  and  the  Association  adjourned.  After  a  few 
minutes  recess,  brother  Elnathan  Sweet,  of  the  Berkshire 
Association,  preached  from  Psalms  17  :  15,  "  As  for  me,  I 
will  behold  thy  face  in  righteousness,  &c."  at  the  close  of 
which,  a  contribution  was  taken  up  fer  Foreign  Missions, 
amounting  to  $26,31.*  The  venerable  Father  Abijah 
Peck,  of  Clifton  Park,  closed  the  exercises  with  an  appro- 
priate and  feeling  address,  and  prayer.  Alter  singing  the 
hymn,  "  From  whence  doth  this  union  arise,  &c,"  the 
brethren  dispersed,  we  trust,  with  the  expectation  of  meeting 
again, 

"  Where  perfect  peace  and  friendship  reign, 
Through  all  eternity," 

Thus  did  the  session  close.  It  proved  the  last  season,  that 
Father  Peck  ever  had  with  his  Shaftsbury  brethren,  to 
whom  he  had  been  strongly  attached  by  a  forty  years  inter- 
course. For  although  he  lived  after  this  nearly  20  years, 
the  infirmities  of  three  score  and  ten  years  prevented  his 
ever  meeting  with  them  in  their  associational  gatherings  ;  but 

•  The  whole  sum  contributed  for  missionary  purposes,  waa  $129,15. 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH    TEN   YEARS.  197 

his  venerable  form,  and  affecting  voice  cheered  the  councils 
of  the  Saratoga  Brethren  occasionally,  till  he  fell  asleep  in 
Jesus,  Nov.  12th,  1848,  aged  90  years,  7  months,  and  9 
days.  A  more  extended  notice  of  him  may  be  found  in  the 
appendix  to  this  work.  "  In  pace  quiescat."  Let  him  sleep 
in  peace. 

1831. 

The  Fifty-first  Session  was  held  with  the  Stamford  church 
in  a  mountain  town  of  Vermont,  lying  north  of  Adams, 
Mass.  This  is  the  only  session  of  the  body  ever  held  there, 
as  it  was  a  small  church,  in  a  bye  place,  rendering  it  incon- 
venient, for  the  brethren  to  assemble  there.  Elder  Philip 
Roberts,  Jr.,  of  1  Nassau,  preached  the  opening  sermon  from 
Uph  2:8,  "  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith." 
Elder  Hubbell  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Br.  G.  W. 
Beal,  Clerk.  The  Association  was  cheered  by  good  news 
from  several  churches  that  had  been  favored  with  revival 
influence^,  which  began  to  prevail  early  this  year  in  the 
land,  and  spread,  ere  its  close,  very  extensively  over  large 
sections  of  our  whole  country,  east,  west,  north  and  south. 
It  was  emphatically  a  "year  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most 
High,"  and  tens  of  thousands  bowed  to  the  sceptre  of  King 
Jesus,  and  became  his  willing  subjects  in  this  day  of  God's 
power. 

There  were  25  churches  still  held  in  the  connection,  but 
from  three  of  them,  no  infoimation  was  received.  There 
were  15  ministers  in  the  body,  but  only  9  of  them  were  pre- 
sent ;  and  6  licentiates,  (of  whom  A.  Woodward,  F.  S.  Pat  he, 
Harvey  Slade,  and  T7iomas  Brand,)  have  become  ordained 
ministers  ;  131  had  been  baptised  ;  36  added  by  letter  ;  while 
64  had  been  dismissed  ;  33  excluded  ;  and  32  had  died,  leav- 
ing a  total  of  1,920  in  the  22  churches  represented  by  let- 
ters or  messengers.  The  statistics  of  the  other  churches  are 
not  given.  The  table  of  statistics  which  we  re-print  this  year 
will  show  what  churches  had  been  refreshed  with  mercy 
drops,  as  well  as  the  destitution  of  Pastors,  hardly  one  half, 
enjoying  a  regular  ministry,  at  this  time.  And  yet  God 
was  mindful  oi  his  weary  heritage. 

The  circular  letter  this  year,  was  prepared  at  the  time  by 
a  committee,  Elders    Johnson   and  Teasdale,  and  \\  as  on 


198  SIIAFTSBTJRy    ASSOCIATION.  [I80I 

"  Praijer  ;"  secret,  family  and  social.  We  insert  the  follow- 
ing extract  in  regard  to f am! bj  praijer,  it  is  so  truthful,  and 
so  much  needed  in  the  present  day. 

"  Another  duty  iu  conaection  "with  this  subject,  is  that  oi family 
prayer.  It  ■vrould  seem  almost  unnecessary  to  urge  Christiana  to  the 
performance  of  this  duty,  since  the  -word  of  God  atFurds  the  most  in- 
dubitable evidence,  not  only  of  its  propriety,  but  of  its  necessity  and 
usefulness.  But  lamentable  as  the  fact  raa}^  appear,  we  are  compelled 
to  believe  that,  by  many  pious  heads  of  families,  this  subject  is  treat, 
ed  with  cohl  indifference  and  utter  neglect.  Christian  parents  !  have 
you  no  regard  for  the  welfare  of  your  children  ?  and  no  regard  for  the 
honor  of  God  ? 

"  Then  neglect  no  longer  the  family  altar;  and  treat  no  longer  with 
indifference  this  delightful  duty.  But  why  do  Christians  neglect 
family  prayers  ?  Is  it  because  they  have  no  talents  adequate  to  the 
task  ?  Ah  !  Christian,  think  again  ;  do  you  complain  for  want  of 
talents  to  ask  of  a  friend  the  favors  you  need  ?  Who  would  think  of 
excusing  his  neighbor  for  suffering  want  and  distress,  if  he  were  told 
it  originated  only  from  his  want  of  talents  to  ask  for  the  things  he 
needed  ?  Why  then  do  christians  neglect  family  prayer  ?  Prom 
various  causes,  as  perfectly  unreasonable  as  the  one  already  mention- 
ed. But  are  there  no  excuses  for  the  neglect  of  family  prayer  ?  We 
know  of  none.  Nor  do  we  know  of  any  class  of  christians,  who  have 
'amilies,  that  are  exempt  from  this  duty.  No  good  reason  can  be  giv 
en,  then,  why  family  prayer  may  be  neglected ;  but  on  the  contrary 
the  most  coquent  arguments  might  be  adduced,  to  show  its  utihty, 
and  prove  its  importance." 

The  corresponding  letter  was  supplied  by  the  digest  of 
the  state  of  the  churches.  Few  minutes  or  messengers 
were  received  from  the  corresponding  bodies  this  year.  It 
is  to  be  supposed  that  the  work  of  ministers  at  home  was  so 
great  this  year,  gathering  in  the  bountiful  harvest  of  souls, 
that  they  could  not  undertake  long  journeys  abroad  even  to 
attend  a.«sociational  meetings.  A  resolution  was  passed  in 
favor  of  the  Baptist  General  Tract  Society  at  Philadelphia, 
and  commending  its  publications  to  the  patronage  of  the 
churches. 

And  the  following  item  is  recorded  on  page  6  of  the  min- 
utes :  "  With  regard  to  the  request  from  the  Waterford 
church,  we  answer,  That,  as  an  Association,   we  have  no 


CHAP,  v.]  FIFTH  TEN  YEARS.  191) 

power  to  advise,  but  are  of  the  opinion  that  Speculative 
Free-Masonry  is  an  institution  whose  obligations  and  ten- 
dency, are  hostile  to  Christianity,  and  we  advise  the  church- 
es to  have  no  fellowship  or  connection  with  it,  and  that  all 
their  members  should  be  required  to  wholly  separate  them- 
selves from  it."  Thus,  for  two  successive  years  did  this 
body  commit  itself  against  the  system  of  darkness,  that  had 
so  long  flourished  among  us,  even  captivating  our  ministers, 
as  well  as  many  of  our  private  members,  by  its  false  glare 
of  piety  and  benificence.  May  its  shadow  never  again  dark- 
en our  land  ;  nor  its  offspring,  secret  societies,  under  what- 
ever plausible  name,  be  again  fellowshipped  among  the  saints 
of  God.  If  there  is  good  in  these  societies,  and  nothing  incom- 
patible with  the  benign  religion  of  the  gospel,  why  should 
not  their  light  shine  abroad  by  day  and  by  night ;  that  all  may 
walk  by  it  ?  Is  it  not  hiding  their  light  under  a  bushel  for 
these  orders  to  screen  themselves  from  the  public  eye,  by 
seeking  the  covert  of  the  night,  and  in  a  room  always  guard- 
ed with  drawn  swords,  or  ivar-clubs,  against  the  ingress  of 
intruders  who  are  uninitiated  in  the  pretended  mysteries  ? 
How  unlike  Christianity  that  does  everything  openly  in  the 
light  of  day,  that  it  promounces  good  ;  and  like  its  Benifi- 
cent  Authoi',  submits  its  claims  to  public  examination,  before 
it  asks  our  confidence  and  suffrages  !  without  any  oaths,  or 
promises  about  it,  except  to  do  all  in  our  power,  to  make 
known  as  widely  as  pSissible,  its  beneficial  truths  and  institu- 
tions for  the  good  of  man.  "  I  spake  openly  to  the  world  : 
I  ever  taught  in  the  synagogue,  and  in  the  temple,  whither 
the  Jews  always  resort  ;  and  in  secret  have  I  said  nothing." 
These  are  the  recorded  words  of  our  great  Teacher,  (in 
John  18  :  20,)  and  how  can  we  claim  to  be  his  disciples  while 
we  unite  in  sustaining  a  system  of  secret  combinations  of 
worldly  men,  or  for  mere  wordly  purposes,  in  which  we  must 
often,  if  not  always,  sink  the  christian,  for  the  sake  of  a  tempo- 
rary wordly  gain.  And  the  idea  so  absurdly  held  by  some, 
that  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous,  loas,  or  could  be,  a  member 
of  such  a  combination  of  men,  is  perfect  blasphemy.  But 
enough  upon  this  subject  here  ;  although  we  consider  the 
danger  of  our  churches  and  members  is  not  past,  until  they 
resolve  with  united  voice  and  act,  to  "  have  no  fellowship 
with  the  unfruitfid   works  of  darkness,  hut  rather  reprove 


200 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 


[1831 


tliein"  as  the  apostle  warned  his  Brethren  against  the  Gre- 
cian mysteries  of  his  day,  (see  Eph.  5  :  11.)  But  one  ser- 
mon, beside  the  introductory,  is  recorded  as  having  been 
preached  during  this  session.  This  was  on  Wednesday  P.  M., 
by  Elder  I.  Keach,  from  John  4  :  34.  "  Jesus  saith  unto 
them,  my  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and  to 
finish  his  work."  The  funds  collected  this  year  for  mission- 
ary purposes  was  $107,93,  of  which  the  largest  portion  was 
sent  to  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  ;  the  rest  to 
the  New  York  Baptist  State  Convention. 


Wi2 

f> 

0 

K 

0 

H 

CUUECHES. 

Ministers  tfe  Mes'ges 

>  1 

0 
0 

01 

0 

5 

s 

MONIES  FOR 

H^  i  M 

a 

•^^ 

r 

p 

> 

BENKV.    OB. 

—^1 

D 

a 

0' 

t-l 

A  riington, 

Charles  Randall,  * 
AUm.  Woodward,* 
G.  Bro  wn  s  on, B. 

Cook,  B.  Cook,  jr. 

10 

5 

3 

2 

85 

A  usterlitz, 

Henry  Palmer,*  let- 
ter. 

2 

1 

36 

Bennington, 

Thomas  Teasdale,  J. 
Downs,  Eber  Dun- 

bam,  J.  Dunham. 

17 

9 

10 

1 

10 

1st  Canaan, 

—Letter. 

2 

2 

91 

$1     00 

2d  Canaan, 

—Piatt  Betts. 

12 

1 

1 

1 

46 

1     00 

Chatham, 

— Letter. 

2 

6 

1 

26 

Clifton  Park, 

Abijah    Peck,*   Job 
Champion,*Elisha 
D.  Hubbell,  G.  W. 
Beat,  A.    Harring- 

1 

- 

ton. 

35 

4 

5 

3 

2 

301 

43  37i 

Egremont, 

E.  Marshall,  jr.,*  F. 
a.  Parke,  C.  Win- 

chell. 

2\ 

1 

3 

1 

8 

101 

94 

Ba.^t  Hillsdale, 

— Satnuel  Wood, 

2    '■ 

1 

1 

90 

Hoosick, 

Israel  Keach,  J.  A. 

1 

Ingham. 

1 

2 

3 

1 

MI 

2  00 

\st  Nassau, 

Justus  Hull,  Philip 

Roberts,  jr. 

19 

2 

3 

3 

3 

152 

10  no 

2d  Nassaii, 

—  i  etter. 

1 

3 

3 

30 

5  00 

Pittstown, 

—  IF.  Shfirmari,  Har- 
vey Sladff. 

3 

71 

Pownal, 

Edward  Green. 

2 

8 

2 

68 

ticheiirctadi/, 

—Letter. 

2I 

2 

8 

1) 

70 

Bchodack, 

Stephen  Olmsted 

3! 

1 

1 

64 

25  40 

CHAP,  v.] 


FIFTH    TEN    YEARS, 


201 


Churches. 

Ministers  it  Mes'grs 

13 

to  ;> 

X 
Q 

3 

MONIES  FOB 

*^^ 

5  w 

> 

BENEV.    OB. 

D 

r^  o 

0 

3 

— 

r 

\st  Shaftsbury, 

Isaiah  Matti^on,  Jo- 

seph B.  Plank,  M. 

House. 

1 

2 

125 

2d  Shaftsbuni, 

No  information. 

3d  Shafisbury. 

C.  W.  Hodges,  Geo. 

Galusha. 

1 

1 

J 

2 

165 

f^hffjield, 

—Letter. 

3 

9 

Stamford, 

— M.    Bangs,   Squire 
Millard. 

2 

1 

5 

48 

Stephentown, 

Matthew  Jones,*  let 

ter. 

4 

2 

4 

101 

Waterford, 

Thomas  Brand,  Wm. 

A.  West. 

3 

2 

8 

2 

2 

30 

4  33 

Wiife  Creek, 

No  information. 

W.  Stockbridge, 

No  information. 

1920 

25  Churchest. 

15  Min's-^6  Licenfs. 

!21 

36 

64 

:^8 

;-i2 

$105  04-t- 

Tiius  have  we  brought  down  the  annals  of  this  body  to 
the  close  of  the  fifth  decade  of  years,  and  within  the  memory 
of  many  now  living,  in  these  various  churches.  It  would 
be  unnecessary  to  extend  our  work  but  a  few  pages  more, 
in  narrating  the  facts  the  last  twenty  years  furnish  us,  ex= 
cept  for  the  sake  of  generations  to  come,  who  will  demand  our 
faithfulness  to  these  later  periods  of  our  Associational  history. 
Hence,  we  shall,  more  briefly,  but  faithfully  as  possible, 
sketch  the  progress  of  the  body  for  the  twenty  years  just 
past,  and  rise  from  this  laborious  task,  in  the  hope  that  it 
has  not  been  in  vain. 

During  this  period,  from  1822  to  1831,  one  new  associa- 
tion, the  Berkshire,  was  formed — partly  from  this  body, 
taking  off  but  few  churches,  however.  Six  churches  united 
with  the  body  in  this  time,  Arlington,  Bennington,  2d,  -N^as- 
sau,  Schenectady,  Sheffield  and  Waterford,  mostly  young 
churches ;  while  ten  churches  were  dismissed  to  other 
bodies,  or  dropped  from  the  connection.  No  ministers,  as  we 
find  by  the  minutes,  died  in  this  period  in  their  pastorates  ; 
but  many  removed. 

t  Besides  this  amount  froui  churches,  a  collection  of  $7,89,  and  private  donations 
$14,89. 


202  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1832 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Annals  of  (he  body  from  1832  to  1841 ;  or  the  sixth  decade  of  years. 
A  period  of  diminution. 

We  come,  now,  to  the  i-ecord  of  those  events  which  are 
within  the  memory  of  many  yet  living.  This  period  of 
ten  years,  from  1832  to  1841,  is  one  of  some  interest,  and 
considerable  change  in  the  state  of  the  churches,  that  com- 
posed the  body  at  its  commencement.  Quite  a  number  of 
churches  were  dismissed,  and  some  dropped  during  this 
period.  From  24  churches  in  1832.  the  association  de- 
creased to  only  8,  in  1841.  And  the  membership  also 
diminished  from  2,495,  to  793,  in  the  latter  year.  This 
great  decrease  was  in  consequence  of  a  plan  that  now  pre- 
vailed, of  associating  those  churches  in  one  body,  that  were 
in  the  same  county,  or  nearly  adjacent,  where  there  were 
enough  to  make  an  association  in  each  county.  Hence,  the 
Berkshire  Association  had  been  organized  in  the  previous 
period,  of  those  churches  in  that  county;  and  hence,  during 
tiie  present  period,  the  Stephentown  Association  was  formed 
of  churches  in  the  County  of  Rensselaer,  in  part,  and  in 
Columbia,  lying  back  from  the  river.  The  churches  along 
the  Hudson,  had  now  generally  fallen  in  with  the  Hudson 
River  Association ;  and  because  only  the  churches  in  the 
back  towns  of  Columbia  and  Rensselaer  counties  went  into 
this  new  body,  they  did  not  designate  their  association  by 
the  name  of  either  county,  but  after  the  oldest  church  in 
their  body,  or  that  where  the  association  was  formed.  To 
this  body  seven  or  eight  churches  were  dismissed,  in  1832, 
and  to  the  Hudson  River  and  others,  some  four  or  five 
more  were  dismissed  in  three  years  ;  and  thus,  in  the  course 
often  years,  by  dismissions  and  departures  from  the  body, 
it  was  reduced  to  the  feeble  band  of  eight  churches,  in  1841, 
all  but  one,  the  Hoosick,  in  Bennington  co.,  Vt. 


CHAP,  VI,] 


SIXTH    TEN    YEARS. 


203 


1832. 

The  fifty-second  anniversary  was  held  with  the  1st, 
Shaftsbury  Church,  Elder  Mattison's,  again  this  year,  and 
it  was  a  session  of  great  joy  and  interest,  from  the  accounts 
of  revival  that  came  up  from  almost  every  church  in  the 
body,  Eldkr  Hubbell,  of  Clifton  Park,  preached  the 
opening  sermon,  from  1  Peter,  5:5.  "  Be  clothed  tvith 
humility."  Elder  I.  Keach,  was  moderator  and  Elders 
Jeremiah  Hall,  of  Bennington,  and  C.  W,  Hodges,  of 
3d  Shaftsbury,  clerks.  Perhaps  it  might  be  well  to  here 
give  the  statistics  of  this  year  from  the  minutes,  with  the 
pjistors  names,  which  will  show  how  general  and  powerful 
the  revival  had  been  amonfi;  the  churches. 


'  -  - 

cd 

3  > 

O 

K|D 

H 

CHUE0HE3 

Pastors  &  Ministers. 

> 

3 

00 

X 

c 

o 

> 

D 

r^  o 

o" 

o" 

tr' 

Arlington. 

— No  Pastor. 

21 

6 

3 

3 

9i 

Austerlitz. 

He.nry  Palmer  * 

10 

3 

J 

1 

47 

Bennington, 

Jeremiah  Hall, 

20 

10 

5 

3 

87 

\st  Canaan, 

—Letter. 

12 

12 

2 

82 

"id  Canaan, 

— No  Pastor. 

IS 

11 

3 

1 

59 

Chatham, 

Philip  Roberts,  jr. 

16 

14 

2 

1 

54 

Clifton  Park, 

A.  Peck  *  J.  Champion,*  E. 

D.  Hubbell. 

37 

11 

4 

3 

7 

339 

Egremont, 

E.  Marshall,  jr.  A.Brown.* 

17 

1 

2 

1 

116 

East  Hillsdale, 

Nt  information. 

90 

Hoosick, 

Israel  Keach,  /.  Glazier. 

85 

»    2 

7 

2 

5 

214 

\st  Nassau, 

Justus  Hull.* 

34 

4 

7 

2 

1 

182 

2d  Nassau, 

Philip  Roberts,  jr. 

19 

2 

8 

1 

42 

Pittstown, 

— No  Pastor. 

30 

1 

1 

6 

96 

Poicnal, 

Edward  Green. 

10 

1 

4 

6 

1 

65 

Schenectady, 

A.  D.  Gillet. 

48 

17 

10 

3 

2 

122 

Schodack, 

C.  C.  Williams. 

16 

18 

1 

66 

\st  Shaftsbtirg, 

Isaiah  Mattison,  M.  House. 

49 

S 

5 

1 

3 

170 

Id  Shaftsbury, 

— No  Pat  tor. 

24 

2 

1 

1 

64 

Zd  Shaftsbury, 

0.  W.  Hodges, 

38 

8 

3 

1 

2 

200 

Sheffield, 

No  information. 

Stamford, 

Truma7i  Hendryx. 

2 

4 

4 

1 

42 

Stephentoion, 

Mattheav  Jones,* 

48 

3 

11 

8 

3    221 

Waterford, 

Thomas  Brand. 

1 

6 

1 

1 

2      33 

W.  Stockbridge, 

No  information. 

24  Churches. 

'  6  Ministers  and  4  Licensed. 

550 

94 

116 

39 

462495 

S04  SttAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [l832 

Truly,  this  was  a  merciful  visitation  of  God's  grace,  that 
brought  in  so  many  new  recruits  into  the  army  of  Zion,  ia 
these  churches.  Great  showers  descended  upon  other 
churches  in  the  vicinity,  once  in  this  association,  as  well  as 
throughout  tlie  country.  To  the  White  Creek  Church,  that 
had  absented  itself  tor  three  years  from  the  body,  and  was 
dropped  this  year,  1 1 1  had  been  added  by  baptism.  And 
to  tlie  Hartford  Church,  once  in  the  body,  70  had  been 
added,  under  the  care  of  Elder  George  Witiierell,  also  of 
this  association,  formerly  ;  and  to  the  old  Bottskill,  or  Elder 
Barber's  church,  the  unusual  number  of  186,  had  been 
added  by  baptism.  These,  and  some  other  adjfieent  churches, 
had  formed  a  new  body,  called  the  Bottskill  Association,  in 
1831,  which  took  decidedly  anti-masonic  ground,  having  the 
following  article  in  their  constitution,  viz  :  "  Art.  II.  JVo 
church,  who  refuse  to  apply  the  laws  of  Christ,  or  who  do 
not  apply  them  for  the  entire  removal  of  speculative  free- 
masonry  from  their  fellowship,  shall  be  numbered  in  the 
Association.'^  This  body  embraced  7  churches  at  first,  with 
1,3:36  members;  increased  to  9  churches,  8  ministers  and 
1,429  members,  in  1833  ;  and  was  afterward  blended  in 
18:35,  with  the  Waskingtoji,  into  the  Washingto?i  Union 
Association,  which  embraces  all  the  churches  in  the  county, 
and  some  in  Warren  county  beside.  The  Berkshire 
churches  had  baptised  some  160  into  their  fellowship  ;  the 
Saratoga  about  300;  and  the  Hudson  River  more  than 
500,  in  their  churches.  Thus,  did  God  magnify  his  grace 
toward  his  people  in  these  churches,  once  forming  but  one 
body,  and  add  to  them  all,  in  a  single  year,  some  1,500  or 
1,800  members.  "(9  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for 
his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  ivorks  to  the  children  of 
men." 

As  to  the  business  of  this  session,  it  was  various,  but  all 
done  in  harmony.  The  following  action  respecting  the 
origin  of  the  Stephentown  Association,  we  put  upon  record 
here. 

"  0.  The  churches  of  Stephentown,  1st  and  2d  Nassau, 
Chatham,  1st  and  2d  Canaan,  and  Austerlitz,  having  re- 
quested a  dismission  to  join  the  Stephentown  Association ; 
and  the  church  of  Schenectady  having  requested  a  dismis- 
sion to  join  the  Hudson  River  Association,  and  the  Stephen- 


CHAP.  VI.]  Sixth  ten  years.  205 

town  Association  having  requested  a  correspondence  with 
us,  it  was  voted,  that  a  committee  he  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  these  requests.  Brethren  Hodges,  Hendryx 
and  Beal  were  appointed,  who  made  the  following  report 
the  next  day. 

"  28.  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  request 
of  the  churches  wishing  to  be  dismissed  from  this  body,  and 
the  request  of  the  Stephentown  Association,  presented  the 
following  report : 

"  Your  Committee  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  fol- 
lowing— 

"  1st.  JResolved,  That  we  cordially  approve  the  course 
which  our  brethren  have  taken  in  forming  said  Association ; 
that  we  cherish  towards  them  feelings  of  fraternal  affection, 
and  that  w-e  cheerfully  comply  with  their  request  to  open  a 
correspondence  with  them. 

"  2d.  Resolved,  That  the  churches,  which  have  requested 
to  be  dismissed  from  this,  to  connect  with  that  Association, 
have  their  request  granted. 

"  od.  Resolved,  That  the  church  in  Schenectady  have 
permission  to  connect  with  the  Hudson  River  Association, 
agreeably  to  their  request. 

"  Respectfully  submitted,  C.  W.  Hodges,  Chairman" 

*'  The  report  was  accepted,  and  the  resolutions  passed." 

"3.5.  Voted,  That  the  church  in  Egremont  have  the 
privilege,  in  accordance  with  their  request,  to  unite  with 
the  Stephentown  Association,  if  they  shall  be  so  disposed." 
And  further,  in  another  item  of  business,  we  see  the  loss  of 
one  more  church. 

"  25.  Voted,  That  the  church  in  White  Creek,  which  has 
united  with  another  Association,  be  dropped  from  our 
Bsinutes." 

Thus,  were  ten  churches  disposed  of  at  one  session,  and 
sent  away  from  their  foster  mother,  with  the  same  blessing, 
and  this  new  body  fellowshipped  with  the  same  cordiality  of 
feeling,  that  the  Saratoga  and  Berkshire  Associations  had 
been,  and  with  a  similar  dowry  of  Baptist  territory. 

The  committee  appointed  in  1825  to  gather  the  materials 
for  a  histor}'  of  the  Association,  and  continued  from  year  to 
year  up  to  this  time,  were  discharged  from  this  service  and 
10 


206  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1832 

nothing  was  ever  done  to  carry  out  the  original  design  of 
the  plan,  as  far  as  we  can  learn.  Had  the  results  of  their 
labor  been  preserved  in  the  minutes,  or  some  other  printed 
form,  it  might  have  heaved  the  compiler  of  this  work,  much 
hard  labor,  and  perhai)S  rescued  from  oblivion,  facts  that 
we  are  now  unable  to  reach. 

The  Missionary  work  received  the  attention  of  the  body 
at  this  session,  and  an  able  report  on  Foreign  Missions,  was 
read  and  printed  in  the  minutes,  from  the  pen  of  lilder  E.  B. 
Smith,  now  of  New  Hampton,  N.  H.,  which  recommended 
to  the  Associations  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  to  assume  the 
support  of  brother  and  sister  Brown,  missionaries  to  Burmah, 
who  were  about  to  sail  this  year,  for  their  field  of  labor. 
Some  $153,84,  had  been  sent  forward  to  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Association  for  benevolent  purposes  by  the  churches  this 
year;  of  which  $24,12  w^as  a  collection  taken  up  after  a 
sermon  by  Elder  Ashley  Vaughn,  from  Isaiah  40  :  11, 
during  this  session.  Another  sermon  was  preached  by  Eld- 
er E.  B.  Smith  from  Jude  21,  '■'■Keep  yourselves  in  the  love 
of  God,"  on  Wednesday,  P.  M. 

The  Sunday  School,  Home  Mission  and  Tract  causes 
were  commended  to  the  favorable  regard  of  the  churches 
and  members  of  this  body  by  appropriate  resolutions.  And 
here  we  might  remark  that  the  full  amount  of  all  monies 
contributed  in  this  body  cannot  be  embraced  in  the  returns 
we  have  given  from  year  to  year,  but  only  what  was  brought 
up  to  the  meetings  of  the  Association  by  the  churches  at 
their  annual  gatherings.  There  were  other  channels  through 
which  the  benevolence  of  these  churches  found  their  way  to 
the  treasury  of  the  Lord  for  various  purposes,  and  the  whole 
account  of  which  is  not  here  presumed  at  all.  In  Shafts- 
bury,  as  early  as  181 G,  a  missionary  society  had  been  form- 
ed auxiliary  to  tlie  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  IMissions  ;  and 
it  is  not  likely  that  the  collections  of  this  society  were  al- 
ways, if  generally,  reported  to  the  Association.  At  least 
this  present  year  they  made  no  report  of  any  monies,  and 
we  cannot  think  that  while  God  was  blessing  the  three 
churches  in  Shafstbury  with  an  addition  of  some  112  or  115 
members,  they  did  nothing  for  the  cause  of  God  abroad. 
Indeed  it  is  said  in  the  digest  of  the  letters  from  the  churches 
for  this  year,  of  the  3d  church  ;  "  This    chuich  is  actively 


CHAP.  VI.]  SIXTH  TEN  YEARS.  207 

engaged  in  the  cause  of  benevolence."  And  of  the  church 
in  Schenectady  it  is  said  :  "Its  members  are  engaged  in  the 
cause  of  benevolence,  and  have  contributed  about  S60  for 
missionary  purposes."  And  of  the  Bennington  church  also 
it  is  said  ;  "They  have  a  Sabbath  School  and  Bible  class, 
and  aid  the  cause  of  benevolence."  And  yet  none  of  these 
churches  reported  any  sum  of  money,  as  having  been  con- 
tributed during  the  year,  in  the  printed  receipts  of  the  board 
of  the  Missionary  Society,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Associ- 
ation. And  v/hile  the  little  church  at  Schenectady  gave 
sixty  dollars,  and  the  Clifton  Park  church  reported  some 
§48,36,  shall  we  not  suppose  that  the  sister  churches  did 
likewise,  for  various  objects  of  Christian  beneficence  ? 

In  looking  over  the  receipts  of  money  published  in  the 
American  Baptist  Magazine  of  March,  1832,  the  following 
entry  is  found,  viz  : 

"  The  Vermont  Baptist  State  Convention,  per  John  Co- 
nant,  Esq.,  Treasurer,  being  a  collection  made  by  the  Cen- 
tral Baptist  church,  in  Shaftsbury,  on  the  first  Monday  in 
January,  1832,  in  aid  of  the  Burraan  Mission,  $7U,00." 
And  doubtless  many  other  churches  did  likewise. 

The  circular  and  corresponding  letters  were  by  Elder  I. 
Mattison  this  year ;  the  first  being  a  very  well  written 
document  on  various  subjects,  adapted  to  the  times.  This 
very  agreeable  session  closed  with  a  sermon  by  Brother 
A.  D.  Gillette,  and  the  brethren  hied  them  away  to  their 
homes  and  their  work  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord. 

1833. 

The  Fifty-third  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bennington, 
East  village,  as  then  called,  with  that  young  and  prospering 
church,  of  only  6  years  standing,  on  the  5th  and  6th  days  of 
June,  according  to  appointment.  The  opening  sermon  was 
by  Elder  I.  Keach,  (as  Elder  E.  Marshall,  the  appointed 
preacher,  failed)  from  2  Cor.  12  :  7-9.  Elder  Hubbell 
presided  for  the  fifth  time  in  seven  years,  as  Moderator,  and 
Brother  G.  W.  Beal  was  chosen  clerk,  for  the  tenth  time  ; 
and  Elder  Keach,  assistaiit. 

Only  13  churches  were  represented  this  year  having  10 
ministers  and  S  licentiates.  The  statistics  of  the  body  give 
us  3  restored,  59  baptised,  63  added  by  letter,  76  dismissed, 


208  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1833 

11  excluded,  22  deceased,  and  a  total  of  1,540  in  these  13 
churches.  The  largest  additions  by  baptism  had  been  as 
follows;  to  Bennington,  C;  Clifton  Park,  8;  Hoosick,  12; 
Pittstown,  13  ;  3  Shaftsbnry,  8.  The  Manchester  church, 
under  the  care  of  Elder  jNIosEs  Field,  was  added  this  ses- 
sion, with  a  membership  of  87,  of  whom  some  30  had  been 
baptised  during  the  revival  of  1831.  This  churcli  was  in 
this  body  for  a  year  or  two  in  1784,  '85  ;  when  it  united 
with  other  churches  to  the  north  and  west  of  it,  in  forming 
the  Vermont  Association  in  1785,  and  continued  some  8  or 
10  years.  It  then  remained  unassociated  so  far  as  we  can 
ascertain  till  1818,  when  it  united  again  with  adjacent 
churches  to  the  north  and  east  of  it,  in  forming  the  Man- 
chester Association,  which  continued  only  about  10  or  12 
years,  and  was  broken  up  in  1830.  And  now,  as  the  Shafts- 
bury  body  had  become  narrowed  down  in  its  territory  to 
Bennington  county,  or  nearly  so,  this  church  sought  a  con- 
nection with  it,  and  has  been  represented  nearly  every  year 
since. 

The  subject  of  ministerial,  and  general  education  received 
the  attention  of  the  body  ;  and  resolutions  were  passed  in 
favor  of  the  "  Vermont  Literary  and  Scientific  Institution" 
at  Brandon ;  and  "  Union  Academy"  at  Bennington,  both 
designed  to  be  under  the  patronage  and  control  of  the  Bap- 
tist denomination;  The  circula?'  letter  by  Elder  J.  Hall, 
was  upon  "  the  need  of  more  ministers,  and  the  means  of 
their  supply,"  and  is  an  interesting  document.     It  says  : 

•'Of  the  5,322  Baptist  churches  in  the  United  States  2,426  are  des- 
titute of  pastors.  This  deficiency  is  increasing  every  year.  In  the 
year  1832,  about  400  Baptist  churches  were  constituted,  while  the 
increase  of  ordained  ministers,  was  only  .ibout  200."  Again  says 
this  circular  :  "But  we  believe  this  deficiency  is  not  to  be  attributed 
to  any  inattention  on  the  part  of  God,  to  the  wants  of  the  church,  or 
the  world.  We  cannot  suppose  that  God  has  purposely  withheld  a 
competent  supply  of  ministers ;  or  that  he  has  not  called  to  the  work 
a  sufficient  number  to  supply  the  wants  of  his  church.  We  believe 
that  a  sufficient  number  of  men  in  our  churches,  whose  qualifications 
of  heart,  and  of  mind,  are  such  as  to  render  vhem  useful  in  the  minis- 
try, have  been  called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel.  But  while  many 
have  run,  without  being  sent,  wc  believe  there    are  many  who  are 


CHAP.  VI.]  SIXTH    TEN    YEARS.  209 

called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel,  that  neglect,  lor  years,  and  per- 
haps, entirely,  this  important  duty.  To  these  diffident  or  disobedient 
sons  of  Zion,  we  fear  the  churches  have  not  done  their  duty ;  but  that 
■we  have  brought  upon  ourselves,  by  our  unfaithfulness,  this  destitu- 
tion of  ministerial  labor,  as  well  as  that  barrenness  of  soul,  of  which 
we  complain  at  our  present  session." 

The  inquiry  is  then  raised :  "What  can  the  churches  do  toward  sup- 
plying  thin  deficiency  of  nmiisterial  labor  ?  To  this  inquiry,  we  an- 
swer, that  they  can  do,  what  they  ought  to  do,  and  that  they  ought  to 
do  what  God  requires  them  to  do.  "  1.  They  can  pray  for  an  increase 
of  ministers."  This  is  urged  home  with  varied  illustration  and 
pathos. 

"  2.  They  can  seek  out  and  encourage  the  gifts  with  which  God 
has  blessed  them." 

"  3.  They  can  very  much  increase  the  amount  of  ministerial  labor, 
by  affording  such  support  to  those  already  in  the  field,  that  they  can 
devote  themselves  wholly  to  the  work  of  the  ministry." 

This  is  but  the  outUne  of  this  timely  circular,  for  these 
days  ;  but  we  forbear  any  further  extracts  for  want  of  room. 
The  following  JVota  Bena,  is  found  on  the  last  page  of  the 
minutes. 

"iV!  B. — We  would  respectfully  notice  the  death  of  our 
much  esteemed  and  laborious  fathers  in  the  ministry,  Ste- 
phen Olmstead,  and  Justus  Hull,  who  have  closed  their 
earthly,  and  entered  on  their  heavenly  career." 

These  aged  servants  of  God  were  for  nearly  forty  years 
connected  with  this  Association.  P21der  Hull  was  appointed 
preacher  at  Adams,  or  1  Cheshire,  in  1786,  and  his  name  is 
found  almost  every  year  since  till  1832,  or  for  47  years, 
though  not  always  able  to  be  present  in  his  later  years. 
Elder  Hull  was  the  founder,  and  pastor  of  the  Berlin  church 
for  over  40  years,  although  he  seems  to  have  labored  in  the 
evening  of  his  days,  with  the  fir.-it  Nassau.  A  further  notice 
of  him  may  be  seen  in  the  Appendix. 

Elder  Olmstead's  name  occurs  first  in  the  minutes  of 
1793,  and  is  continued  in  an  almost  uninterrupted  succes- 
sion as  a  member,  of  the  body,  and  attended  its  anniversa- 
ries for  about  40  years,  or  till  1831,  when  he  was  present 
for  the  last  time  with  his  brethren.  He  was  an  active  pas- 
tor, if  not  a  great  preacher,  and  trained  his  church  to  sustain, 


210  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1834 

as  they  did  usually  from  year  to  year,  the  cause  of  missions 
by  their  liberal  benefactions.  He  did  some  missionary  ser- 
vice for  the  Association,  in  western  New- York,  and  in  Can- 
ada ;  and  was  often  a  delegate  to  corresponding  Associations, 
from  the  Shaftsbury  body.  He  had  ceased  to  be  pastor  of 
the  Schodack  church,  over  which  he  had  presided  from  1797 
to  1831,  or  a  period  of  35  years ;  when  he  was  gathered  to 
his  fathers,  and  his  place  on  earth  made  vacant  forever.  A 
brief  obituary  of  him,  may  be  found  in  the  Am.  Baptist 
Magazine  for  Jan.  1833. 

1834. 

The  Fifty-fourth  Session  was  held  at  Hoosich  Coniers, 
•with  Elder  Reach's  church,  on  the  4th  and  5th  days  of  June, 
as  usual.  Elder  M.  Field  of  Manchester,  preached  the 
opening  sermon  from  Psalms  \\%  :  25.  Elder  Hubbell 
served  as  Moderator  for  the  last  time  in  this  body  ;  and  El- 
der J.  Hall  was  Cleric.  But  13  churches  now  in  the  body, 
with  13  ordained  ministers  and  4  licentiates.  The  table  of 
statistics,  shows  4  restored,  88  baptised,  33  added  by  letter, 
107  dismissed,  63  excluded  and  dropped,  27  died  ;  and  a 
total  of  1,510  in  all  the  churches.  There  had  been  some 
revivals  in  the  following  churches  :  Bennington,  received  12 
by  baptism;  Clifton  Park  31  ;  making  them  371  strong  ; 
Pittstown,  10 ;  and  1  Shaftsbury  22.  These  gatherings 
were  the  results  of  protracted  meeting  efforts  mostly,  in  these 
several  churches. 

Another  loss  of  churches  was  suffered  this  yeai',  as  the 
following  vote  testifies  :  ''  Voted,  on  request,  that  the  church- 
es of  Clifton  Park,  Waterford,  and  Schodack,  have  liberty 
to  withdraw  trom  this,  to  join  other  Associations."  Thus  did 
the  Clifton  Park  church  with  its  Pastors,  and  large  member- 
ship, take  their  leave,  after  a  connection  of  about  40  years 
with  this  body,  during  which  they  never  failed  to  be  repre- 
sented by  pastors  or  brethren,  save  in  the  year  1800. 
And  so  the  Schodack  church  had  been  for  about  48  years  in 
the  body,  and  was  generally  represented  by  its  venerable 
pastor  Elder  S.  Olmst.ead,  and  some  of  liis  brethren,  from 
the  year  1793  when  his  name  first  appears  in  the  minutes  as 
a  delegate.  This  church  was  called  New  Bethlehem,  on  the 
minutes,  from  1786  till  1799,    when,  upon  the  formation  of 


CHAP  VI.]  SIXTH    TEN    YEARS.  211 

the  town  of  Schodack,  it  took  the  latter  name.  All  three  of 
these  churches  were  so  far  located  from  the  centre  of  the 
Association,  and  could  be  so  much  easier  convened  with 
other  bodies,  that  it  was  reasonable  to  grant  them  a  dismis- 
sion. They  are  now  each  associated  in  their  own  county ; 
the  first  and  last  in  the  Saratoga  body  ;  and  the  Schodack 
with  the  Stephentown. 

Various  resolutions  weie  passed  this  session  in  favor  of 
the  American  Bible  Society,  in  "giving  the  word  of  God  to 
the  whole  reading  population  of  the  world  in  a  given  time," 
the  cause  of  Sunday  Schools  ;  Tracts,  Temperance,  Minis- 
terial Education,  and  Home  and  Foreign  Missions  ;  and  al- 
so commendatory  of  the  "monthly  concert  of  prayer  on  the 
first  Monday  of  every  month."  About  $72,11  were  received 
during  the  session  from  some  of  the  churches,  and  individu- 
als ;  of  which  the  Clifton  Park  church  and  society,  sent  up 
$38,26.  No  doubt  a  much  larger  sum  besides,  had  been 
contributed  by  the  various  churches,  during  the  year,  to 
benevolent  objects.  A  closing  sermon  was  preached  this 
session  by  Elder  H.  F.  Baldwin,  of  the  Washington  Asso- 
ciation, and  a  missionary  collection  taken  of  $8,43.  And  on 
Wednesday,  P.  M.,  Elder  B.  M.  Hill,  of  the  Hudson  River 
body  preached  to  the  Association. 

The  circular  letter  was  written  by  Elder  E.  D.  Huhbell, 
this  year  ;  and  its  theme  was  "  Regeneration  ;  its  Author, 
Means,  Subjects,  and  Effects."  It  is  a  worthy  document, 
and  from  the  latter  branch  of  it  we  select  the  following  ex- 
tracts which  will  show  its  character  : 

"  Regeneration  not  only  implants  new  life,  but  places  its  possessor 
'n  a  new  situation.  It  gives  him  a  name,  and  a  place,  in  the  Kingtlom 
of  God,  and  of  Christ.  "  Who  hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of 
darkness,  and  hath  translated  us  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear  Son." 
(Col.  1,  13.)  They  are  "no  more  .strangers  and  foreigners,  but  fel- 
low-citizens with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God."  (Eph. 
2 :  6, 19.)  Regeneration  confers  a  new  character.  A  regenerated  maa 
is  ».hoty  man,  God  has  not  called  him  unto  uneleanlinesa,  but  unto 
holiness.  (1  Thes.  4  :  7.)  Paul  styles  them  "  holy  Brethren,  par- 
takers of  the  heavenly  calling."  (Heb.  4:  1.)  Regenerated  men  are 
styled  saints,  brethren  of  the  Lord,  and  considered  as  chosen  and 
faithfuL 


212  .    SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [i834 

"It  may  bethought  of  little  consequence,  to  have  our  minds  well 
taught  iu  this  doctriue;  but  it  cannot  be  thought  of  little  monient, 
when  vfe  consider  that  U7iless  a  man  is  regenerated,  he  caunot  see  the 
Kingdom  of  God.  It  is  important  that  we  know  in  what  it  consists, 
and  the  effects  which  it  produces.  If  any  man  be  a  lover  of  God,  lie 
33  born  of  God ;  ''for  every  one  that  loveih,  is  born  of  God,  and  know- 
eth  God.  (1  John,  4:  7.)  "If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my 
words,  and  my  Father  will  love  him  ;  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him."  (John,  14  :  23.)  If  we  then,  as  profes- 
sors of  the  religion  of  Jesus,  do  not  revereneehis  commandments,  and 
make  it  our  employment  to  obey  them,  we  give  lamentable  proof  that 
we  are  ignorant  of  regenei'ating  grace.  Whatever  may  have  been  our 
pretensions  to  piety,  our  exercises  of  sorrow  or  of  joy,  if  there  be  not 
an  abiding  principle  of  love,  producing  good  works,  we  may  rest  as- 
sured, we  have  no  well  grounded  evidence  of  conversion  to  God. 

"  We  deem  it  then,  of  great  importance  to  every  Christian,  rightly 
to  understand  the  nature  of  this  change.  If  the  change  within  us,  be 
not  a  change  wrought  by  the  spirit  of  God,  it  is  not  such  a  one  as  the 
scriptures  describe,  and  requires.  Such  is  the  deep-rooted  depravity 
of  the  heart,  none  but  an  omnipotent  power  can  remove  it.  "  None 
can  bring  a  clean  thing  out  of  an  unclean."  No  power  of  moral  sua- 
sion can  work  reformation  in  such  a  mind.  Nor  should  we  rest  satis- 
fied with  any  such  external  reformation,  as  may  be  produced  by  any 
power,  save  that  which  brings  to  unfeigned,  repentance,  and  confes- 
sion of  sin.  If  our  souls  have  been  truly  regenerated,  God  should 
have  all  the  glory.  And  shall  those  who  have  been  born  from  above, 
ever  stop  to  assign  to  any  instrument  that  praise  which  is  due  to 
the  great  First  Cause  ?  Let  us  remember,  that  herein  is  our  heaven- 
ly Father  glorified,  that  we  bear  much  fruit.  Regeneration  in  its  ef- 
fects on  our  hearts  and  lives,  secures  at  once  the  glory  of  God,  our 
happiness  liere,  and  our  eternal  glorification  iu  a  better  world  ;  wliile 
his  holy  name  there  receives  all  the  praise.  Let  us  with  heartfelt 
gratitude  sing  with  the  Poet ; 

'Oh  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor, 
'  Daily  I'm  constrained  to  be  ; 
'  Let  thy  goodness  like  a  fetter, 
'  Bind  my  wandering  heart  to  thee,'  " 


CHAP.  VI.]  SIXTH  TEN  YEARS.  213 

1835. 

The  Fifty-fifth  Session  was  held  with  the  3(1  Shaftsbury 
church,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Warehara  Walker, 
for  some  years,  after  Elder  Hodges  removed  in  1833.  The 
opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Thomas  Marshall 
of  Arlington,  horn  Math.  21,  28;  "Son,  go  work  to-day 
in  my  vineyard."  Elder  I.  Keacii  was  chosen  Moderator^ 
and  Elders  Silas  Kenney  of  Manchester,  and  W. 
Walker,  Clerks.  There  were  only  ten  churches  in  the 
body  now,  with  7  ministers  and  5  licentiates.  133  had  been 
baptised  in  all  the  churches,  33  added  by  letter,  46  dismiss- 
ed, 15  excluded,  19  died,  and  a  total  of  1,092  in  fellowship. 
The  Pownal  church  under  the  care  of  Elder  Elihu  Dutch- 
ER,  had  received  the  large  number  of  59  by  baptism  ;  od 
Shaftsbury  24  ;  and  Stamford  36,  having  two  licentiates, 
Br.  Merritt  House,  who  was  their  Pastor,  and  L.  M.  Pow- 
ers. These  were  refreshing  showers  upon  those  churches, 
and  made  the  session  one  of  interest  to  the  brethren. 

The  usual  routine'of  business  was  transacted,  and  a  ser- 
mon by  Elder  E.  Sweet  of  the  Berkshire  Association,  was 
preached  on  Wednesday,  P.  M.,  from  1  Pet.  4  :  18,  "  And 
if  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly 
and  the  sinner  appear  ?"  And  on  Thursday  a  sermon  was 
preached  at  11  o'clock,  by  Elder  John  Peck,  from  Acts  14: 
7,  "And  there  they  preached  the  Gospel ;"  when  a  collec- 
tion of  S25,88  was  taken  up  for  the  cause  of  Home  or  Do- 
mestic Missions.  Others  subscribed  afterwards  of  enough 
to  raise  this  sum  to  $31,63.  And  a  special  effort  was  made 
at  this  session  to  raise  $100,00  for  the  Northern  Baptist 
Education  Society  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association  ;  of  which 
$65,00  was  pledged  on  the  spot. 

The  circular  letter  was  by  Elder  Isarel  Keach,  and  was 
a  very  well-written  epistle  of  fraternal  advice  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  "  Church  discipline."  It  was  worthy  of  its  author 
aad  the  Association  who  printed  it.  *  But  we  cannot  spare 
room  for  it,  and  to  extract,  would  mar  the  beauty  of  the 
whole. 

1836. 

The  session  of  this  year,  was  held  held  with  the  Manches- 
ter church,  in  the  Baptist  meeting  liouse  at  Factory  Point 

10* 


214  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1836 

being  the  first  session  of  this  body  ever  held  there.  As  the 
appointed  preacher,  and  his  aUeinate,  were  absent,  the  Asso- 
ciation, after  organizini^,  by  tlie  appointment  of  Elder  Si- 
LAS  Kenxey,  for  Moderator,  and  Elder  Walker  ibr 
C/eryt,  invited  Elder  J.  M.  Graves  of  the  JFo oc/.s to c^- as- 
sociation to  preach  the  opening  sermon,  who  accordingly  de- 
livered a  discourse  from  Isaiah,  60  ;  1  "  Arise,  slnne  ;  for 
thy  Light  is  come,  and  the  Glory  of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon 
thee" 

Only  6  of  the  9  churcliesleft  in  the  body,  were  represent- 
ed,  at  this  session  ;  having  5  ministers,  4  of  them  present, 
and  no  licentiates.  The  churches  that  gavpi  their  statistics 
reported  in  all,  10  added  by  Baptism,  19  by  letter;  while 
20  had  been  dismissed,  7  excluded,  and  6  died ;  with  a  total 
of  993  in  the  body,  "  The  1st  church  in  Pittstown  hav- 
ing dissolved  its  connection  with  the  Association,  and  re- 
quested that  its  name  be  dropped  from  our  minutes,"  says 
the  record  of  this  year,  page  5th:  "It  was  voted  that  the 
request  be  complied  with. 

The  following  report  of  a  committee  on  the  subject,  will 
show  the  feelings  of  this  body  in  regard  to  the  treatment 
Baptists  received  from  the  American  Bible  Society. 

"  Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  considera- 
tion of  the  late  proceedings  of  the  American  Bible  Society, 
and  the  events  growing  out  of  those  proceedings,  in  which, 
as  Baptists,  we  have  a  special  interest,  respectfully  report  : 
That  having  examined  the  subject  submitted  to  them,  it  ap- 
pears, that  a  majority  of  that  Societys,  Board  of  Managers, 
on  the  17th  of  Febuary  last,  decided  no  longer  to  aid  in  the 
translation,  printing  or  distributing  of  any  versions  of  the 
Scriptures  into  foreign  languages,  except  those  which  "  con- 
form in  the  principle  of  their  translation,  to  the  common 
English  version ;"  in  other  words,  those  in  which  the  words 
Baptizo,  Baptizma,  and  their  cognates,  are  transferred  in- 
stead of  being  translated.  It  appears  further,  that  the  Socie- 
ty, notwithstanding  the  sole  design  of  its  formation,  as  avow- 
ed by  its  founders  was  the  '  dissemination  of  the  Scriptures 
in  ihe  received  verions  whore  they  exist,  and  in  the  most  faith- 
ful, where  they  may  be  required,' confirmed  at  its  late  anni- 
versary, the  above  decision  of  its  Board  ;  and  that,  in  conse- 
quence, a  new  organization  was  formed  on  the  13th  of  May 


CHAP.    VI.]  SIXTH    TEN    YEARS.  215 

last,  by  a  meeting  of  Baptist  ministers  and  brethren  from 
different  sections  of  the  United  States,  under  the  name  of 
the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society."  The  object 
of  the  Society  thus  organized,  is  to  circulate  the  Word  of 
God-  throughout  the  world,  in  the  most  faithful  translations 
that  can  be  obtained.  In  view  of  the  above  facts,  we  beg 
leave  to  submit  the  following  resolution  : 

"  1  Resolved,  1  hat  we  disapprove  the  decision  of  the 
American  Bible  Society's  Board,  above  referred  to ;  and 
that  we  regard  it  as  an  unwarrantable  interference  with  the 
duty  of  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  translation  of  the 
Scriptures  into  other  tongues. 

"  2  Resolved,  That  we  highly  approve  of  the  formation  of 
the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society;  and  that  we  re- 
commend to  the  churches  composing  this  body,  the  speedy 
organization  of  auxiliaries  to  that  Society,  and  a  vigorous 
co-operation  in  carrying  forwai*d  its  designs. 

"  3  Resolved,  That  we  will  make  an  effort  to  raise  within 
this  association,  during  the  present  year,  to  aid  the  objects 
of  the  above  named  Society,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  dol- 
lars." 

"  The  report  was  accepted,  the  resolutions  were  passed, 
and  the  corresponding  Secretary  was  instructed  to  lay  the 
subject  before  the  churches  composing  the  association." 

Thus  early  did  tl.is  Body  enlist  in  the  work  of  the  Bible 
cause  among  their  own  Brethren,  and  they  have  never  given 
back  from  their  position.  There  was  no  circular  printed  in 
minutes,  but  Elder  Kenney  reported  one,  which  was  accept- 
ed, and  a  vote  of  the  body,  requested  its  publication  in  the 
Vermont  Telegraph,  a  Baptist  paper,  then  printed  at  Bran- 
don, Vt.  A  sermon  was  preached  on  Thursday,  by  Elder 
MosEs  Field,  from  the  Hudson  River  Association,  from 
Rom,  11  :  20;  "  i?e  not  hifjh  minded,  but  ybar  ;"  and  a 
collection  followed  of  S7,  56  for  foreign  missions.  This 
session  was  interesting  and  harmonious  ;  and  although  there 
had  been  no  revivals  among  the  churches,  they  seem  to  have 
been  growing  in  the  spirit  of  Benevolent  action,  and  re- 
mained steadfast  in  the  doctrines  and  order  of  the  gospel. 

1837. 

The  anniversary  for  this  year,  was  held  with  the  Pow- 
nal  Baptist  Church,  on   Wednesday  and  Thursday,  June 


216  SHAFrSBTJRY   ASSOCIATION.  [1837 

7th  and  8tb,  according  to  appointment,  the  introductory 
sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Mattison,  from  Jer.  6 : 
16.  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  stand  ye  in  the  ways,  and  see, 
and  ash  for  the  old  paths,  ivhere  is  the  good  xoay,  and  walk 
therein,  and  ye  shall  find  rest  for  your  souls.  But  they  said, 
we  will  not  ivalk  therein." 

The  body  was  organized  by  the  choice  of  Elder  Keach, 
for  Moderator,  and  Elder  Walker,  Clerk.  Only  six 
churches  were  represented  this  year,  those  at  Manchester, 
2d  Shaftsbury  and  Stamford,  sending  no  information  of 
their  condition.  There  were  six  ministers  in  the  body,  who 
were  all  present ;  and  two  licentiates.  But  it  had  been 
a  year  of  great  dearth  again,  as  to  revivals,  and  only  seven 
had  been  baptized,  in  all  the  churches  ;  23  added  by  letter ; 
31  had  been  dismissed  by  letter;  2  excluded  and  9  had 
deceased;  while  948  remained  in  fellowship,  counting  the 
absent  churches,  as  at  the  last  returns  from  them.  A  ser- 
mon was  preached  on  Wednesday  by  Professor  Hascall, 
formerly  of  the  Hamilton  Institution,  N.  Y.,  who  plead  the 
cause  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ;  as  its 
agent.  The  text  was  in  Rom.  1  :  14,  15.  "  I  am  a  debtor, 
both  to  the  Greeks  and  to  the  Barbarians,  both  to  the  raise, 
and  to  the  unwise.  So  much  as  in  me  is,  I  am  ready  to 
preach  the  Gospel  to  you  who  are  at  Rome  also."  Whether 
the  Association  had  redeemed  their  pledge  ©f  last  year, 
does  not  appear  in  the  minutes  ;  but  this  discourse,  was  a 
close  appeal  to  the  heart  and  conscience  to  pay  v/hat  was 
owing  to  the  cause  of  God,  and  his  perishing  creatures,  who 
had  not  the  Bread  of  Life, 

This  Association  took  high  ground  on  the  subject  of  total 
abstinence  from  all  intoxicating  drinks ;  as  it  had  years 
before  against  the  use  of  ardent  spirits;  as  the  following 
words  will  testify. 

"  Whereas,  The  subject  oi  Temperance  has  called  forth 
the  efforts  of  our  citizens  and  church  members  for  its  pro- 
motion in  years  past,  by  which  much  good  has  been  accom- 
plished ;  yet  a  new  impulse  seems  necessary  to  carry  for- 
ward and  perfect  the  reformation,  therefore  : 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association  recommend  this  subject 
to  the  attention  of  the  churches  and  individuals,  to  abstain 
from  the   use  and   traffic  of  all  intoxicating  liquors  as  a 


CHAP.  VI.]  SIXTH   TEN    YEARS.  2l7 

drink,  believing  that  it  is  the  duty  and  privilege  of  all  pro- 
fessing godliness  to  stand  aloof  from  such  drinks,  except  for 
sacramental  and  medicinal  purposes."  This  was  the  year 
following  "the  great  National  Temperance  Convention,  at 
Saratoga  Springs,  in  the  summer  of  183G,  when  the  friends 
of  the  cause  so  unanimously  came  up  to  the  neio  pledge,  re- 
quiring the  disuse  of  all  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  beverage  ; 
and  the  above  resolution  shows  how  promptly  this  Associa- 
tion sustained,  as  they  have  frequently  done  since,  this 
higher  laio  of  the  Temperance  friends  in  our  land. 

And  the  subject  of  American  Slavery  has  often  received 
the  disapproval  of  this  body,  as  the  resolutions  passed  at 
this  session  will  show  for  a  specimen.  We  quote  two  of 
them. 

"  1.  Resolved,  That  in  the  deliberate  judgment  of  this 
Association  to  traffic  in  the  bodies  and  souls  of  men  ;  to 
buy  or  sell  them,  or  to  claim  or  hold  them  as  property, 
under  any  pretence  whatever,  is  sin  ;  that  it  involves  a 
flagrant  violation  of  the  rights  of  man,  and  a  bold  infringe- 
ment of  the  laws  of  God  ;  and  that  it  is  entirely  inconsis- 
tent with  the  benevolent  spirit,  and  holy  precepts  of  the 
gospel  of  Ciirist. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  as  the  disciples  of  Him  who  was  sent 
"  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the 
prison  to  them  that  are  bound,  we  acknowledge  ourselves  to 
be  under  solemn  obligation  to  remember  and  sympathize 
with  such  as  are  in  bonds,  especially  our  brethren  in  the 
Lord  ;  faithfully  to  employ  such  moral  means  as  may  be 
within  our  reach,  to  effect  the  universal  emancipation  of  the 
enslaved,  to  break  everg  yoke,  and  let  the  oppressed  go 
free." 

In  other  resolutions,  it  is  recommended  that  the  Northern 
Baptist  churches,  address  their  Southern  '■  brethren  who 
may  be  implicated  in  this  sin,  in  the  language  of  kind,  but 
firm  and  earnest  remonstrance  ;"  and  that  "  the  churches  of 
this  body,  record  their  testimony  against  this  sin  most  deci- 
dedly, and  co-operate  in-  sending  letters  of  admonition  to 
their  Southern  brethren  ;"  as  far  as  it  may  be  practicable  to 
combine  the  testimony  and  remonstrances  of  sister  churches 
on  this  subject.  No  circidar  was  printed  this  ye,ar  j 
although  one  was  approved. 


2l8  SIIAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1838 

1838. 

The  fifty-ei.2;hth  session  was  held  at  Benninrjfoyi,  June 
Gth  and  7th  ;  and  Elder  IIar:\[ON  Ellis,  preadied  the  in- 
troductory sermon,  from  Math.  5:  16.  Elder  Stephen 
lIuTCHiNS,  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Br.  Norman  N. 
Wood,  Clerk.  There  were  9  churches  represented,  one  of 
which,  the  2d  Berlin,  was  admitted,  at  this  session,  with  a 
membership  of  42.  It  was  a  temporary  or  ganization  that 
arose  out  of  some  difficulties  in  the  old  Berlin  church,  and 
was  soon  absorbed  into  tlie  mother  church,  by  a  change  of 
policy  in  rt-gaid  to  their  pastor,  and  was  never  represented 
in  the  association  again.  There  were  19  ministers  in  the 
body,  as  reported;  and  there  had  been  64  baptized;  23 
added  by  letter;  while  22  had  been  dismissed,  8  excluded; 
20  dropped,  all  in  one  church  ;  and  12  had  deceased,  leav- 
ing a  total  of  986  in  all  the  churches.  There  had  been 
some  revival  in  Hoosick,  where  25  had  been  baptised,  and 
in  Pownal,  where  20  had  been  baptized  by  Elder  T.  S. 
Rogers,  who  was  ordained  in  Oct.,  1837,  and  was  for  a  year 
in  charge  of  that  church.  A  formidable  array  of  preambles  and 
resolutions  on  the  various  objects  of  benevolent  regard  pat- 
ronized by  the  association,  occupies  3  or  4  pages  of  the 
minutes  of  this  year,  but  no  chapter  of  acts  in  the  shape  of 
a  table  of  contributions  can  be  found.  And  yet  it  is  pre- 
sumed that  the  churches  did  not  neglect,  in  some  measure, 
to  act  out  the  good  resolutions  commended  to  them  by  the 
doings  of  the  association. |  Sermons  were  preached,  by  Elder 
H.F.Baldwin,  of  the  Washington  Union  body;  and  by 
Elder  M.  M.  Evarts,  of  the  Cortland  Association,  N.  Y., 
during  this  session. 

The  circular  letter,  was  again  resumed  in  the  minutes  of 
this  year,  and  was  a  plea  for  Ministerial  Education,  written 
by  Elder  S.  Ilutchins,  of  Bennington.  It  was  a  readable 
production,  but  we  cannot  insert  it  at  all.  The  session  was 
Imrmonious  throughout,  and  interesting,  says  the  record  of 
its  doings,  ''  with  the  manifestation  of  a  highly  commenda- 
ble degree  of  zeal  and  brotherly  love." 

1839.  ,      ^^ 

The  rifty-ninth  session  of  this  body,  was  held  with  the 
first  Baptist  church  in  Shaftsbury,  as  appointed,  on  the  5th 


cnAP.  VI.]  SIXTH  tein  years.  219 

and  6th  of  June;  and -Elder  S.  Hotchins,  delivered  the 
opening  sei-mon  fiom  1  Thess.  5  :  Ti,  13.  ^^  And  we  be- 
seech you  brethren,  to  Icnow  them  ivltich  labor  among  you, 
and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admonish  you  ;  and  to 
esteem  them  very  hiyhly  in  love,  for  their  works  sake." 

Elder  Keach  was  cho>en  Moderator;  and  Elder  Har- 
mon Ellis,  of  3d  Sliaftsbury  was  Clerk  of  this  session. 
There  were  but  7  churches  represented  this  year,  with  10 
ministers  in  them  ;  more  than  for  years.  There  had  been 
large  accessions  to  two  or  three  of  the  churches  the  year 
past,  and  Zion  was  clad  in  the  robes  of  salvation  and  praise. 
To  the  Manchester  churcli  51  had  been  added  by  baptism  ; 
to  1  Shafisbury  32  ;  and  to  3d  Shaftsbuiy,  50,  over  which 
Elder  Joseph  W.  Sawyer  had  been  elected  as  the  overseer; 
and  where  he  presided  for  some  five  years.  There  had 
been  8  baptised  by  Elder  IIutchins  in  the  Bennington 
church.  In  all,  146  had  been  added  by  baptism  ;  20  by 
letter;  50  dismissed  ;  14  excluded  ;  46  dropped,  (from  the 
1  Shaftsbury  church)  ;  and  12  had  deceased,  while  there 
»vas  left  a  total  of  1,028  in  the  ten  churches  of  the  body.  A 
little  money  is  reported,  as  having  been  paid  for  benevolent 
purposes;  but  the  account  of  such  monies,  not  passing 
through  the  hands  of  any  treasurer  in  this  body,  tbe  amount 
cannot  be  ascertained. 

On  Wednesday  P.  M.,  a  deeply  interesting  discourse, 
was  preached  by  Elder  N.  Colter,  from  Ueb.  11:  24,  25. 
"  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  refused  to  be 
called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter,  &c."  Elder  C.  was 
a  delegate  from  the  Washington  Union  Association,  and  pas- 
tor, at  that  time  of  the  Bottskill  church.  A  closing  sermon 
was  preached  by  Elder  J.  W.  Sawyer,  from  John  14  : 
17.  "  Peace  I  leave  with  you  ;  my  peace  I  give  unto  you  ; 
not  as  the' world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you."  Elder  D.  W. 
Burroughs,  of  Manchester,  preached  a  sermon  on  Thursday, 
morning  from  Luke  10,  37.     "  Go  and  do  thou  likewise." 

The  circular  letter  of  this  year  was  on  Personal  Piety, 
written  by  Elder  H.  Ellis  ;  and  was  a  very  good  practical 
letter,  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  times,  no  doubt.  The  1st 
Shaftsbury  church  request  "  that  they  may  have  the  privil- 
ege of  entering  their  protest  against  the  leading  sentiments 
of  the  circular  letter  of  last  year  ;    (1838)  which  was  grant- 


220  SIIAFTSBTJRY    ASSOCIATION.  [1840 

ed,"     It  was  nevertheless  a  good  season,  the   Divine  Pre- 
sence was  there. 

1840. 

The  Sixtieth  Anniversary  was  held  with  the  Baptist 
church  in  Hoosick,  N.  Y.,  and  the  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  J.  W,  Sawyer,  from  Beb.  12  :  28,  29. 
*'  Wherefore  we  receiving  a  kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved, 
let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably, 
with  reverence  and  godly  fear  :  For  our  God  is  a  consum- 
ing fire." 

Elder  Sawyer  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Br.  Jfm.  G. 
Brown,  Clerk.  Seven  of  the  9  churches  were  represented  ; 
having  only  4  ministers,  and  3  licentiates.  There  had  been 
87  baptized,  27  added  by  letter,  29  dismissed,  4  excluded, 
9  dropped,  15  deceased,  having  a  to  al  of  992,  in  all  the 
churches.  The  only  revival  in  the  body  was  in  the  Ben- 
nington church,  which  had  received  by  baptism,  80  converts, 
the  largest  accession  it  had  ever  welcomed  in  one  year  to  its 
numbers,  making  them  more  than  200  strong. 

Various  items  of  business  was  transacted  as  usual,  but 
nothing  worthy  of  permanent  record,  unless  it  be  the  follow- 
ing, which  is  a  new  case  of  ecclesiastical  jurisprudence,  that 
may  be  of  use  to  others  in  similar  circumstances. 

"  The  church  in  Manchester,  having  asked  counsel  of  the 
Association,  respecting  diflicultics  with  their  late  minister  ; 
Voted,  that  the  subject  be  referred  to  Br.  Mattison,  Saw- 
yer, Hdtchins,  "Whipple,  Dyer  and  Bovee."  This  com- 
mittee after  deliberation  made  the  following  report  on  Thurs- 
day, viz  :  "1.  We  are  of  opinion  that  is  the  indispensable 
duty  of  the  church  to  pay  Br.  Burroughs  according  to  con- 
tract for  labors  rendered  in  said  church  and  society  ;  and  2. 
We  are  of  opinion,  that  whether  the  church  perform  their 
duty  or  not,  it  will  be  advisable  for  Br.  Burroughs  to  dis- 
continue his  labors  with  the  church  and  society.  Accepted 
the  Report." 

The  circular  for  this  year  failed  ;  and  a  committee  offer- 
ed one  from  the  minutes  of  the  Madison  Association  in  N. 
Y.,  "  On  the  duty  of  promoting  the  peace  of  the  church  ;" 
which  was  printed.     A  sermon  was  preached  on  Wednesday 


CHAP.  VI.]  SIXTH    TEN    YEARS,  221 

evening,  by  Ellei*  Burroughs,  from  Gal.  V.  16,  '*  This  I 
say  then,  Wulk  in  the  spirit,  and  ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lust 
of  the  flesh."  And  "at  the  close  of  the  session,  Elder 
Daniel  Tinkham,  from  the  Washington  Un  on  Associa- 
tion preached  a  highly  interesting  discourse,"  says  the  clerk, 
"from  Numbers,  32  :  G.  "And  Moses  said  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  God,  and  to  the  children  of  Reuben,  Shall  your 
brethren  go  to  war,  and  shall  ye  sit  here?"  ''  The  session 
was  harmonious  and  delightful,  and  our  hearts  rejoiced  and 
burned  within  us,"  wiiile  listening  to  the  spirit-stirring  ap- 
peals from  the  Book  of  God,  or  mingling  our  prayers  for  the 
redemption  of  the  world  ;  or  hearing  tlie  records  of  visits  of 
mercy,  iVom  Him  whose  love  to  man  is  flowing  sliil,  or 
while  joining  in  the  anthem  : 

"  We'll  praise  him  again,  when  we  pass  over  Jordan." 

So  pleasantly  did  this  session  close  ;  and  the  brethren 
separated  to  their  respective  homes  and  churches,  never  all 
to  meet  again,  on  this  side  the  Jordan  of  death. 

N.  B.  It  shoul  J  have  been  stated,  that  the  four  churches 
of  Bennington,  lloosick,  Ist  and  3d  Shafisbury,  reported 
this  year  the  sum  of  S382,50,  contributed  for  various  Be- 
nevol-.nt  objects." 

1841. 

The  Sixty-first  session  was  held  with  the  3d  Shaftsbury 
church,  according  to  appointment,  June  2d  and  3d ;  and 
Elder  Archibald  Kenton,  of  Hoosick,  preached  the  intro- 
ductory, from  John  18  :  36,  "J/y  Kinr/dom  is  not  of  this 
world."  Elder  Sawver  was  chosen  Moderator ,  and  Elder 
Kenyon,  chrh.  Only  6  churches  represented  themselves 
this  year,  having  4  ministers,  and  2  licentiates  for  their 
supply.  There  had  been  no  revival  in  the  body,  and  but  7 
baptised;  5  of  these  in  Hoosick  ;  24  added  by  letter;  3  4 
dismissed;  22  excluded;  12  drop[)ed  from  the  Pownal 
church;  and  13  deceased;  leaving  but  793  members  in  the 
body,  or  6  churches  whose  numbers  are  given.  A  commit- 
tee appointed  the  year  before,  reported  ;  '-That  so  far  as  at- 
tention to  covenant  obligations,  and  the  observance  of  exter- 
nal duties  are  concerned,  there  is  no  visible  church  in  that 
place ;"  where  the  2d  Shaftsbury  Baptist  church   had  held 


222  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION,  [1811 

its  meeting?,  and  lience  their  name  is  dropped  from  the 
minutes,  and  no  more  appears  in  tliem.  This  church  never 
possessed  a  meeting  house,  and  its  membership  has  been 
absorbed  mostly  with  the  3d  or  Central  church,  except  a  few 
names. 

The  following  standing  resolution  Avas  entered  on  the 
minutes  ;  "That  any  member  of  this  Association,  attending 
the  meeting  of  any  corresponding  Association,  shall,  on  pre- 
senting a  copy  of  our  minutes  containing  his  name,  be  our 
delegate  to  such  Association."  This  was  designed  to  save 
the  necessity  of  appointing  messengers  every  year,  by  a  dis- 
tinct vote.  A  long  cataloguH  of  resolutions  are  recorded 
again  this  year,  on  the  Bible  cause,  Foreign  and  Domestic 
Missions,  American  Baptist  Publication  and  Sunday  School 
Society,  N.  Baptist  Education  Society,  Vermont  State 
Convention,  Temperance,  Slavery,  and  in  favor  of  the  month- 
ly concert  on  the  first  Sabbath  evening  of  each  month.  The 
following  shows  the  feeling  of  many  others  beside  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Association. 

'■'Resolved,  That  we  view  the  pi'oceedings  of  the  late  Tri- 
ennial Convention  at  Baltimore,  (in  May,  1841,)  in  ejecting 
Elon  Galusiia  from  the  Board  of  Vice  Presidents,  as  a 
base  bowing  down  to  the  "dark  spirit  of  slavery  ;"  against 
which  we  enter  our  solemn  protest  as  Baptist?,  as  Christians, 
and  as  human  beings,"  [or  as  men,] 

'■'Resolved,  That  we  love  union  much,  but  we  love  truth 
and  purity  more." 

The  circular  letter  this  year  is  a  discussion  of  "the  impro- 
priety of  reading  sermons  in>tead  of  preaching  them  ;"  from 
the  pen  of  the  veneralde  Mattison,  who  after  preaching  some 
forty  years  at  that  time,  had  never  read  a  sermon,  if  we 
rightly  understand  him.  Its  thoughts  deserve  attention,  but 
it  is  too  long  to  insert  here.  During  this  session  Elder  M. 
Bruce,  of  the  Woodstock  Association  preached  from  Mark 
10 :  45  ;  Elder  John  Alden  of  North  Adams.  Berkshire 
Association  preached  irom  1  Peter,  2  :  7,  "  Unto  you  there- 
fore  who  believe,  he  is  ?)recious."  And  Elder  Wm.  Arthur, 
of  Bottskill  church,  Washington  Union  Association,  preach- 
ed at  the  close,  from  Heb.  11:1,  '^ Now  faith  is  the  substance 
of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen.'"  And 
it  is  recorded  of  this  session ;  "  Thus  closed  a  harmonious 


CHAP.  VI.] 


SIXTH    TEN    YEARS. 


22i 


session  of  our  Association,  which  was,  by  all  its  services  and 
duties,  calculated  to  make  us  feel  that  where  we  sat  was 
'  none  other  than  the  house  of  God,  and  the  gate  of  heaven.' 
To  God  be  all  the  praise." 

J.  W.  Sawyer,  lloderator." 

"A.  Kenton,  Clerk. 

The  following  is   the  table  of  statistics  for  this  year,  as 
printed  in  the  minutes  : 


M 

2  > 

Ol  Pd^  O,    nq 

Churches. 

Mfnistees  &  Mes'ges 

> 

53 

0 

5 

q 

MONIES  FOR 

H 

2  « 

r^ 

d 

> 

BKNEV.    OB. 

o' 

."^  o 

a 

0 

c< 

,        Arlington. 

Not  represented,  (48 

last  year.) 

1        Bennington, 

3.    H  U  T  C  H  I  N  8,    B. 

Fletcher,  L.  Berry, 

H.  E.  Clark. 

1 

6 

11 

5 

6 

92 

Hoosich, 

A.  Kenton,  H.  Bovee, 
H.   Philips,  R  Os- 

trander. 

5 

7 

1 

6 

1 

132 

$20  10 

Manchester, 

—J.  S.  Pettibone. 

8 

4 

1 

95 

Pownal,] 

— C.  Banidster. 

1 

5 

1 

2 

82 

1st  Shaftsbury 

I.  Mattison,  J.  Dyer, 
W.   J.  Watson,  P. 
Dutcher,    J.    Slye. 
A.  Loomis,  W.  E. 

1        8i  Shaftsburij, 

Hawks. 

9 

1 

5 

2 

147 

J.    W.  S  AWYEE,    E. 

Clark.  0.  Whipple, 

A.  Huutington,  G 

Huutington,  A 

Mattison,     A.     H. 

Whipple,]^.  H.Bot- 

toin,H.  Huntington. 

2 

2 

1 

2 

155 

104  00 

Stamford, 

Not  represented. 

\         8  Churches. 

4  Paxtors — 2  Licfin's. 

7 

24 

34' 2  2 

IS 

793 

$124  10 

With  such  a  remnant  only,  of  the  fine  sisterhood  of 
churches,  that  once  gathered  around  the  hearthstone  of  this 
old  mother,  did  the  Shaftsbury  Association  come  to  the  60th 
year  of  her  existence,  and  run  onward  in  her  race.  But 
God  who  is  the  stay  and  comfort  of  the  aged,  had  a  care  of 
her  still,  and  we  trust  will  make  all  grace  abound  according 
to  every  day  of  her  need. 

+  This  church  reported  12  dropped  from  their  record. 


224  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  1842 


CHAPTER  TIL 

Annals  of  the  body  from  184:2  to  1852,  or  the  seventh  decade  of  years 
A  period  of  great  weahness. 


We  have  now  come  to  the  latest  period  of  the  history  of 
this  venerabhi  body,  whose  progress  we  have  endeavored 
to  trace  for  three  score  years.  Much  of  its  transactions 
have  consisted  in  a  repetition  of  the  same,  or  similar  doings 
from  year  to  year ;  now  and  then  interspersed  witli  a  new 
incident  or  event  to  give  variety  to  the  meetings  of  the 
body.  Hence,  we  shall  tind  but  little  to  interest  the  reader, 
during  this  recent  period  of  ten  years  just  now  past ;  but 
will  briefly  group  what  of  fact  or  incident  may  be  worth 
preservation  ;  now  give  a  pithy  resolution,  now  a  circular 
letter,  or  an  extract  from  one — and  where  they  occur,  record 
the  revivals  of  religion,  with  which  a  number  of  the  churches 
have  been  recently  favored.  The  territory  of  the  association 
was  narrowed  down  to  Bennington  county  a  few  years,  by 
the  departure  of  the  Hoosick  church ;  and  even  less,  for 
the  church  in  Stamford  went  off  to  the  Berkshire  body  ;  and 
the  Rupert  church  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  county 
never  united  with  this  Association  till  1848,  and  then  staid 
oidy  ttvo  or  three  years,  and  returned  to  the  AVasliington 
Union  ;  to  which  it  is  most  conveniently  situated,  on  the 
west  side  of  tli(?  Taghkanic  range  of  mountains  adjacent  to 
New-York  State. 

1842. 

The  sixty-second  rnniversary  was  held  at  3Ianchester, 
June  1st  and  2d  ;  Elder  J.  W.  Sawyer,  preaching  the  in- 
troductory sermon  from  James  2:8.  "  If  ye  fulfil  the 
royal  law,  according  to  the  Scripture,  thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself  ;  ye  do  well."  Elder  Sawyer  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder  II.  I.  ParIvp:r,  of  Man^  hester, 
clerk.  Six  churches  wen;  represented  ;  with  5  ministers 
and  2  licentiates,  all   of  whom    were   present.     There   had 


CHAP.  VII. J         SEVfiNTH  TEN  VEARS.  225 

been  no  revival,  and  only  4  liad  been  baptised,  21  added 
by  letter,  while  22  had  bet^n  dismissed  ;  6  excluded  ;  9  died, 
leaving  a  total  of"  783. 

The  following  query  from  the  1st  Shaftsbury  cluirch, 
Elder  I.  IMattison's.  after  discut^sion,  was  answered  r/^/??7a- 
lively,  by  a  majoiity  of  two,  viz  :  "  It  is  just  and  ri^iit  in  a 
church,  to  require  of  all  its  members,  a  pledge  of  entire  ab-^ 
stinence  from  all  drinks  that  can  intoxicate,  as  a  condition 
of  membership  and  good  standing  therein  ?" 

A  suggestion,  also,  from  the  3d  church  in  Shaftsbury, 
regarding  the  propriety  of  dissolvinjj  the  Association,  was 
debated  somewhat  and  postponed  to  the  next  session.  The 
Hoosick  church  was  dismissed  to  unite  with  the  Hudson  River 
Association,  by  its  own  request,  but  finally,  in  1843,  went  to 
the  Stephentou-n  body,  in  its  own  vicinity,  vvhicli  was  more 
appropriate,  but  in  1851,  returned  to  the  old  mother.  The  civ' 
cidar  letter  was  dispensed  with,  and  little  business  is  recor- 
ded of  this  session.  A  large  committee  on  resolutions  was 
appointed,  but  finally  discharged  ;  probably  because  with 
Mr.  Orson  S.  Murray  on  it,  with  his  radicalism,  they  could 
not  agree  upon  any  thing  worthy  to  report.  And  from  a 
note  of  the  clerk,  at  the  close  of  the  minutes,  it  is  presumed 
he  had  begun  then,  as  he  afterwards  proved  himself  to  be  a 
troubler  in  Israel.  He  had  been  for  years  the  editor  and 
proprietor  of  the  Baptist  paper  in  the  State,  the  Vermont 
Telegraph,  jninted  at  Brandon  ;  and  he  ;^oon  after  this  ran 
it  out,  and  himself  mXo  a  rabid  Infidel  Reformer;  and  has 
lately  issued,  from  one  of  the  Western  States,  a  flying  sheet, 
called  the  Regenerator,  as  nearly  an  Athiestical  print,  as 
the  country  affords. 

On  Thursday,  Elder  Whitney,  preached  from  Rom.  2 : 
IG.  "In  the  day  when  God  shall  judge  the  secrets  of  men 
by  ray  Gospel."  It  was  "  voted  to  publish  the  proceedings 
of  this  session  in  the  Vermont  Telegraph;"  but  in  the  next 
year's  minutes  they  are  printed  as  one  pamphlet,  by  a 
special  vote  of  the  Association. 

1843, 

The  sixty-third  session  was  held  at  Poional,  according  to 
appointment,  and  Elder  Mattison,  who  was  the  alternate 
of  Elder    H.  I.  Parker,    preached  the   opening  sermon. 


226  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [l843 

from  Ileb.  3:  14.  "  For  we  are  made  partakers  cf  Christ, 
if  we  hold  the  beginning  of  our  confidence  steadfast  unto 
the  end."  Elder  Sawyer  was  chosen  Moderator,  as  usual ; 
and  Br.  Horace  Fletcher,  the  Preceptor  of  Union 
Academy,  in  Bennington,  was  cleric.        , 

But  5  churches  sent  up  their  letters  and  delegates  ;  and 
six  ministers  and  2  licentiates  were  reported,  in  the  body. 
Several  churches  had  been  favored  with  revivals  of  religion, 
and  large  additions  had  cheered  the  brethren  in  their  labors. 
Bennington  ciiurch  had  received  67  by  baptism,  making 
tUera  257  strong,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Wm. 
W.  Moore.  Manchester  had  received  32,  by  baptism,  and 
8  by  letter,  making  them  136  in  fellowship.  Elder  Matti- 
son's  church  had  been  favored  once  more  with  an  accession 
of  17  by  baptism,  making  them  158.  And  3d  Shaftsbury, 
under  Elder  Sawyer,  had  buried  in  baptism  71,  and  added 
24  by  letter,  making  their  total  number  242.  In  some  of 
these  revivals,  the  second  Advent  doctrine,  as  held  and 
preached  by  Wm.  Miller,  had  mingled,  creating  an  unwhole- 
some excitement,  that  caused  a  relapse  into  the  world,  with 
some,  when  the  coming  of  Christ  failed  them  in  1843.  But 
this  was  a  year  of  increase  and  blessing  to  these  churches. 
In  all  of  them,  187  had  been  baptised  ;  47  added  by  letter  ; 
while  21  had  been  dismised  ;  5  excluded;  4  deceased; 
and  a  total  was  found,  of  871  members  in  the  body. 

A  committee  appointed  at  a  previous  session  to  inquire 
into  the  condition  of  the  Arlington  church,  made  the  follow- 
ing report,  viz  :  "  That  they  have  attended  to  the  business 
of  their  appointment,  and  are  now  prepared  to  state  as  far 
as  visibility  is  concerned,  there  is  no  visible  church  in  that 
place ;  and  we  have  since  been  advised  that  a  sufficient 
number  of  members  have  been  together,  voted  each  other 
letters,  and  have  dissolved." 

The  subject  of  a  dissolution  of  the  body  came  up  again  as 
postponed  from  the  last  session,  and  "  after  a  free  discussion, 
it  was  decided  not  to  dissolve."  Sermons  were  preached 
during  this  session,  by  Elder  E.  B.  Crandall,  of  the 
Stephentown  Association,  from  1  Cor.  15  :  58,  on  Wednes- 
day ;  and  by  Elder  O.  Si'ERRy,  of  the  Woodstock,  Vt.,  from 
Acts  26:  28,  on  Thursday.  After  various  business  had 
been  accomplished  the  session  closed  ;  and  the  records  say : 


CIIAP.    VII.]  SEVENTH    TEN    YEARS.  227 

"  The  association  being  small,  and  the  business  thus  re- 
stricted, much  time  was  allowed  for  devotional  exercises. 
The  preaching  was  truly  spiritual,  and  impressive.  The 
communications  from  the  churches  were  of  a  most  cheering 
character,  especially  those  from  Bennington,  Manchester 
and  3d  Shaftsbury.  These  churches  have  enjoyed  very 
extensive  revivals,  and  received  170  by  baptism." 

The  circular  letter  by  Br.  H.  Fletcher,  was  on  "  Holy 
Living,  or  Christian  Fidelity  ;"  and  we  gire  the  following 
extract  as  worthy  of  consideration. 

"The  im]xiitanee  of  a  lioly  life,  to  the  success  of  the  Gospel,  may 
be  inferred  from  the  known  and  acknowleciged  influence  of  example, 
over  every  other  influence.  In  the  ease  of  religion,  moreover,  verbal 
or  oral  recommendations  and  descriptions,  fail,  to  a  great  extent,  of 
producing  effect,  because  not  fully  understood.  An  irreligious  or 
impenitent  person  has  never  experienced  in  himself  what  the  language 
of  religion  describes;  he  cannot,  of  course,  be  expected  fully  to  com- 
prehend and  appreciate  these  descriptions.  These  descriptions  may, 
perhaps,  be  regarded  as  unintelligible  toliim,  as  would  be  a  discourse  on 
colors  to  a  blind  man.  But  he  can  understand  the  living  epistle,  when  he 
sees  the  divine  lineaments  of  religion  drawn  out,  and  exhibited  in  s\, 
holy  and  godly  life,  the  influence  is  irresistible.  Then  the  heauty  of 
holiness  is  written,  not  upon  tables  of  stone,  but  upon  the  fleshy  tables 
of  the  heart,  not  only  to  be  seen,  but  to  he  felt.  How  often  have  we 
witnessed  the  most  eloquuent  appeals  from  the  pulpit,  to  prove 
powerless  and  inefiicient.  But  the  eloquence  of  a  holy  life  is  never 
wasted  or  lost,  it  invariably  arrests  the  attention,  and  carries  to  the 
heart  resistlcsa  conviction,  of  the  reality  and  value  of  religion." 

1844. 

The  64th  Session  was  held  with  the  Bennington  church, 
l'  June  5th  and  6th,  when  the  introductory  sermon  was  preach- 
\  ed  by  Elder  H.  I.  Parker,  from  1  Cor.  1  :  21.  Elder 
Sawyer  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder  C.  W.  Hodges, 
clerk.  No  powerful  revivals  had  been  enjoyed  ;  but  the 
Pownal  church,  under  the  care  of  Elder  M.  Batchelor, 
had  baptised  5  ;  and  a  few  had  been  added  to  every  church. 
But  5  churches  were  represented,  having  6  ordained  minis- 
ters in  them,  and  1  licentiate.  There  was  a  full  attendance 
of  delegates  from  the  churches,  some   35  in  all;  beside  a 


228  8HAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1844 

number  from  corresponding  bodies.  Thero  had  been  14 
ba|)tis('d  ;  "2,1  added  bv  letter;  37  dismissed;  11  excluded; 
8  deceased ;  and  52  dropjied  from  fellowsliip,  51  of  them 
from  (he  Bennington  church;  which  left  but  780  in  all  the 
chu  relies. 

The  subject  of  the  dissolution  of  the  Association  coming 
up  again,  "after  spirited  remarks  by  various  brethren,  it  was 
on  motion  of  Brother  George  Huntington,  indefinitdy  post' 
powd,  by  an  unanimous  vote." 

The  coaimittee  on  resolutions  reported  the  following  se- 
ries, which  were  adopted  after  a  somewhat  piotracted  dis- 
cussion, 

'''Resolved,  That  American  Slai'ery  is  a  great  sin  in  the 
sight  of  God,  being  a  direct  violation  of  his  holy  law,  and 
conti'ary  to  the  genius  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  which 
requires  us  to  love  our  neighbor  as  ourselves. 

"  2.  Tliat  we  cannot,  therefore,  admit  to  our  pulpits,  or 
our  communion  tables,  those  who  are  guilty  of  it,  or  advo- 
cate it,  as  an  institution  sanctioned  by  the  word  of  God. 

"  3.  Tliat  while  we  are  the  friends  and  lovers  of  union,  we 
regard  purily,  justice,  equity,  holiness,  righteousness,  truth, 
and  the  favor  of  God  more  ;  and  wc  cannot  enjoy  it  at  the 
expense  of  these,  or  any  one  of  these  principles." 

''  Whereas,  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  churches  seems 
again  to  be  endanged  by  the  existence  and  revival  of  secret 
a$SQci(ittons,  very  much  to  be  dreaded,  and  which  may  be 
prudently  avoided,  therefore.  Resolved,  That  the  institutions 
of  Free  Masonry,  Odd  Fellowship,  and  nW  secret  combina- 
tions, are  alike  entitled  to  our  unqualified  disesteem  ;  and 
that  we  recommend  to  the  churcl'.es  composing  this  Associ- 
ation, to  take  immediate  measures  expressive  of  their  utter 
disapproval  of  the  same."* 

^Resolved,  That  we  rene7o  iho.  opinion  expressed  at  the 
last  two  sessions  of  this  body  :  "That  every  church  should 
require  of  its  members,  a  pledge  of  total  abstinence  from  all 

*Tho  followintr  testimony  of  the  lato  Dr.  Arnold  of  England,  in  reference  to 
Free-Mdxonry  and  OilJ-IuUrm-!<!up,  may  deserve  an  insertion  here,  .is  a  corrob- 
ora'ion  of  tlie  views  of  this  Association  in"  regard  to  tliese,  so  called,  moral  socieiies. 

"These  half-lieathen  cU;bs.  including  above  all,  Free-M.asonry,  are.  I  think  ut- 
terly unlawful  for  a  t'livlstiaii  man  :' they  .are  close  brotherlioods,  formedjwitii 
those  wlio  are  not,  in  a  close  sense,  our  bretliren.  Their  ver;/  unmen,  are  unseemly. 
A  club  of  Odd-FMou-s,  U  a  good  joke,  but  hai  dly  a  decent  piece  of  earnest.'"  [Dr. 
Arnold's  Life  and  Correspondence,  Page  409.] 


CHAP.    ViI.J  SEVENTH    TEN    YEARS,  -      229 

intoxicating  drinks,'  as  a  condition  of  membership  in  good 
standing  tiverein."  All  these  resolutions  were  passed,  but 
not  unanimously  it  would  seem  by  a  note  of  the  clerk  at  the 
close  of  the  minutes.  He  says,  "  Respecting  the  evils,  the 
fearful  wrongs  of  slavery,  considered  as  a  whole,  there  ap- 
peared to  be  no  diversity  of  opinion  in  the  Association. 
Respecting  the  measures  to  be  pursued,  there  were  some 
points  of  difference.  All  however,  parted  with  feelings  of 
kindness  and  broiherly  aifection." 

Elder  Ei.oN  Galusha,  preached  on  "Wednesday,  P.  M,, 
from  Rom.  11  :  26,  '■^And  so  all  Israel  shall  be  saved,  SfC." 
Elder  M.  D.  Miller  of  the  Windham  Association  preached 
in  the  evening  ;  and  on  Thursday,  Elder  J.  Goadby,  of  the 
Saratoga  body  preached  fiom  Math.  13  :  33  ;  an  interesting 
sermon,  when  a  coUectiou  of  S10,50  was  taken  up  for  For- 
eign Missions. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  a  selection  from  the 
New-York  Observer,  somewhat  modified,  "On  Moral  hon- 
esty, in  the  faithful  liquidation  of  debts."  It  is  a  rather 
caustic  application  of  homespun  truths  to  the  conscience  of 
the  members  of  churches,  on  this  much  neglected  subject. 
And  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  there  is  so  much  occasion  for 
the  admonition  suggested  by  this  circular,  in  the  conduct  of 
either  churches,  in  their  deal  with  ministers,  or  of  individual 
members  in  the  intercourse  of  life. 

1845. 

The  65th  Anniversary  was  held  at  the  Old  Meeting  House 
of  the  1st  Shaftsbury  church,  as  appointed  ;  and  Elder 
Hodges  preached  the  introductory  discourse  from  Jeremiah 
14  :  8.  ''  O  the  hope  of  Israel,  the  Savior  thereof  in  time  of 
trouble,  &c."  Elder  Israel  Keach,  of  the  Shaftsbury  cen- 
tre church,  was  chosen  Moderator^  and  Br.  Nathan  H.  Bot- 
tom of  the  same  church,  Clerk.  Only  Jive  churches,  with 
five  ordained  ministers,  were  reported  as  in  the  body.  The 
\>t  Shaftsbury,  during  the  year  previous  had  been  di^solv- 
ed,  and  a  new  interest  eomjwsed  partly  of  members  of  that 
church,  with  a  few  others,  had  arisen  in  the  flourishing  vil- 
lage of  North  Bennington,  but  3-4th3  of  a  mile  from  the  old 
meeting  house ;  which,  having  been  recognized  in  October 
11 


230  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1846 

1844,  was  received  into  the  Association,  at  this  session, 
with  a  membership  of  ^38.  Only  19  liad  been  baptised  in 
all  the  churches,  18  had  been  received  by  letter,  26  had 
been  dismissed,  5  excluded,  3  0  died,  and  a  total  of  G62  siiil 
remained  in  the  body.  The  church  in  Pownal  had  enjoyed 
a  little  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  15  had 
been  baptised  into  their  fellowship.  A  sermon  was  preach- 
ed by  Elder  M.  Merriam  of  the  Woodstock  Association, 
and  a  missionary  collection  followed,  of  S4,54,  No  circular 
was  prepared  this  year.  At  the  close  of  the  session,  Br. 
Justin  A.  Smith,  was  ordained,  as  pastor  of  the  New,  or  2d 
Bennington  Baptist  church,  agreeably  to  the  request  of  that 
church. 

The  session  was  interesting  and  harmonious,  and  from  it 
the  brethren  went  back  to  their  field  of  toil,  strengthened  to 
the  good  work  of  the  Lord. 


1846. 

The  66th  Session  was  held  in  the  new  meeting  house  at 
North  Bennington,  June  3d  and  4th,  when  the  opening  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  Elder  M.  Batchelor,  of  Pownal, 
from  Rom.  8  :  18.  Elder  Keach  was  chosen  again  to  pie- 
side,  and  Elder  J.  A.  Smith,  was  elected  Clerk.  Only  4 
Pastors  in  the  5  churches  of  the  body,  this  year.  But  6  had 
been  added  by  baptism,  30  by  letter,  18  by  experience, 
while  32  had  been  dismissed,  5  excluded,  11  deceased,  leav- 
ing a  total  of  665.  Sermons  were  preached  during  the  ses- 
sion by  Elder  T.  Brandt,  of  the  Essex  and  Champlain  As- 
sociation, from  2  Cor.  3:17,  and  by  Elder  lIoDGEs,;at  the 
close,  from  1  Thess.  1:8;  when  a  missionary  collection  was 
taken  up  of  $14,50,  for  the  support  of  Br.  Hasavell  of 
Burmah,  who  was  a  native  of  Bennington.  A  collection, 
and  alife  membership  of  S20,00  for  the  Am.  Bap.  Fiee  Mis- 
sion Society  was  then  taken,  making  $24,79  ;  in  all 
$39,29  at  this  time.  The  session  was  harmonious,  and  "a 
strong  desire  was  expressed  for  more  prosperous  days." 

The  circular  was  on  '•  Family  Prayer,"  written  by  Elder 
Israel  Keacii,  and  we  propose  to  give  the  body  of  it,  that 
its  usefulness  may  be  perpetuated. 


CHAP.  Vil.]  SEVENTH    TEN   YEARS.  231 

"  The  Members  of  the  Shaftsbuey  Association  to  the  churches  theif 
represent,  send  greeting  : 
"  Belo'^ed  Brethren, 

"  Impressed  with  the  importance  of  stirring  up  your  minds  by  -wav 
of  remembrance,  and  anxious  to  encourage  you  in  every  good  work, 
we  solicit  your  serious  and  candid  attention  to  the  duty  of  Family 
Prayer. 

"  A  most  important  and  solemn  duty  rests  upon  every  father,  to 
present  himself,  with  his  family,  daily,  at  the  throne  of  grace.  God 
commands  it,  duty  requires  it,  gratitude,  for  daily  mercies,  enforces 
it.  This  duty  cannot  be  habitually  neglected  without  incurring  the 
Divine  displeasure.  We  have  the  most  fearful  apprehension  of  the 
judgments  of  the  Most  High  upon  those  families  where  the  Bible  is 
scarcely  ever  read,  and  where  prayer  is  never  offered.  "  Pour  out 
thy  fury  on  the  heathen  that  know  thee  not,  and  upon  the  families 
that  call  not  on  thy  name  ;"  is  the  affecting  language  of  Jeremiah,  ( 10  ; 
25,)  and  may  help  to  explain  the  cause  of  the  waywardness  and  ruin 
of  many  a  promising  youth. 

"  What  object,  on  earth,  more  interesting  than  a  circle  of  humble 
and  pious  worshippers  around  the  family  altar  !  See  the  father,  at 
the  appointed  hour,  like  the  high  priest  of  his  household,  conducting 
those  under  his  roof  to  the  throne  of  grace,  commending  them  to  the 
care  of  that  watchful  Providence,  which  supplies  all  our  wants,  and 
seeking  protection  by  humble  supplication,  amid  the  dangers  that 
stand  thick  around.  It  secures  a  daily  and  increasing  confidence,  in 
the  superintending  care  of  that  great  and  good  being,  whose  protec- 
tion we  should  daily  seek. 

"  The  duty  of  family  prayer,  is.  enforced  by  every  consideration  of 
temporal  and  eternal  good.  Family  prayer  should  be  rtgarded  by 
Christians,  a.  privilege,  as  well  as  a  duty,  which  they  are  permitted 
to  enjoy.  The  merciful  Redeemer  has  given  to  all  his  people,  the 
privilege  of  coming  to  Him,  at  all  times,  with  their  cares  and  hopes 
and  interests  ;  and  promises  to  grant  them  a  gracious  answer  to  their 
petitions.  He  has  placed  under  the  care  of  a  christian  parent,  a 
family, and  connected  with  this  family,  are  almost  all  his  wordly  en- 
joyments and  earthly  hopes.  His  children  must  be  protected  amid 
the  temptations  and  dangers  which  surround  them,  or  they,  by  their 
sinful  courses,  must  make  his  declining  years  a  burden  too  grievous 
to  be  borne,  and  bring  down  his   gray  hairs,  with   sorrow,  to  the 


2S2  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1840 

grave.  But  now  he  is  permitted  to  approach,  with  his  family,  before 
the  throne  of  grace,  and  iu  humble  confidence  on  the  divine  promises, 
commit  them  to  the  care  of  Sovereign  Mercy,  to  keep  them  from  the 
numerous  ills  to  which  they  are  exposed,  and  iavolie  the  blessings  of 
the  subduing  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  all  their  hearts.  If  he 
be  a  Christian,  if  he  really  love  God  in  sincerity,  will  he  not  esteem  it 
a  privilege  ?  Will  he  need  to  be  driven  reluctantly  to  the  family  altar  ? 
Will  he  not  rather  cling  to  it,  as  one  of  his  most  choice  privileges? 

"  Family  devotion  should  be  regular.  There  should  be  a  regular 
set  time,  at  whicii  the  wliole  family  may,  under  ordinary  circumstan- 
ces, be  together,  and  at  a  time  when  every  member  of  the  family 
may  know  that  they  are  expected  and  required  to  be  in  their  accus- 
tomed places,  to  attend  to  the  solemn  and  delightful  duty  of  wor- 
ship. Unless  there  be  regularity  at  the  time,  in  family  devotion,  it 
•will  be  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  maintain  the  duty,  for  any  con- 
siderable length  of  time.  And  where  it  is  attempted  now  and  then, 
BO  to  speak,  without  any  regularity  as  to  time,  it  is  attended  with 
the  greatest  inconvenience,  and  it  will  be  found  on  a  close  ob- 
servation, it  is  believed,  that  such  irregularity  in  a  little  time  de- 
generates into  a  total  neglect  of  the  duty  Do  any,  in  reply  to  this, 
say,  '  our  family  is  so  large  and  heterogeneous,  our  avocations  so  nu- 
menms,  tnat  we  cannot  maintain  daily  devotions,  in  our  family  atrc' 
gular  times  V  To  such  we  would  say,  it  is  in  precisely  such  a  family 
that  order  and  method  are  most  indispensible.  What,  (in  our  sense) 
are  the  one  hundred  persons  employed  in  a  cotton  factory,  but  one 
family  ?  and  they  are  as  regular  as  the  clock  that  tells  them  when  to 
go  to  their  meals,  and  when  to  return  to  their  labor.  If  there  be  a 
want  of  regularity,  it  is  not  because  the  family  is  large,  but  because 
those  regulations  have  not  been  adopted  and  carried  out,  which  are 
necessary  to  secure  the  object  contemplated. 

"The  Bible  should  be  read,  and  frequently  explained,  in  conneo- 
tion  with  family  devotion.  We  are  seldom  aware  how  ignorant  our 
children,  and  the  various  membersof  our  families  are,  of  the  truths 
and  duties  of  religion,  and  even  of  the  narratives  and  histories  of  the 
Bible.  These,  to  some  extent,  every  parent  should  be  able  to  ex- 
plain. These  explanations,  should  be  adapted  to  the  capacity  of  the 
youngest  in  the  family,  capable  of  understanding  the  most  simple 
terms,  by  which  the  mind  of  the  holy  spirit  can  be  communicated. 
By  this  means,  the  parent  will  increase  his  own  knowledge   of  the 


CHAP.  VII. J         SEVENTH  TEN  YEARS.  233 

Bible,  and  awaken  and  CJncentrate  the  attention  and  interest  of  the 
family.  It  is  moreover,  confidently  believed  that  the  furnishing  of 
every  member  of  the  family,  capable  of  reading  intelligibly  with  a 
Bible,  and  reading  around,  by  course,  as  in  a  class,  has  a  beneficial 
tendency,  inasmuch  as  such  a  habit  inspires  the  love  of  reading,  and 
helps  materially,  to  hold  the  attention  of  all  to  that  which  is  read. 

"Family  prayer  should  be  short,  simple,  varied,  and  appropriate. 
It  is  often  the  case,  that  a  portion  of  the  members  of  the  family  and 
domestics,  ai-e  pei'sons  of  uncultivated  minds,  unaccustomed  to  long 
mental  efforts,  and  others  are  very  young.  It  is  more  desirable  to  se- 
cure good  attention,  for  a  short  time,  than  restlessness,  by  protracted 
exercises.  But  let  us  bepr  in  mind,  that,  to  offer  acceptable  prayer 
to  God,  whether  in  the  family,  ia  the  closet,  or  in  the  public  sanc- 
tuary, it  must  be  what  it  purports  to  be.  It  must  be  honest,  heartfelt, 
humble  supplication  for  the  blessings  which  the  soul  needs  and  de- 
sires, or  it  is  no  prayer;  we  mean,  such  as  God  will  hear,  and  ap- 
prove : 

"  Prayer  is  the  soul's  sincere  desire."  The  heart,  therefore,  must  be 
on  God,  and  the  desires  of  the  soul  directed  to  him,  as  the  only  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  in  order  to  pray  acceptably. 

"  The  duty  of  family  prayer,  thus  performed,  we  doubt  not,  will  be 
productive  of  good  to  the  entire  household.  It  will  have  a  tendency 
to  soften  and  allay  all  the  irritating  passions  with  which  the  domestic 
circle  is  liable  to  be  disturbed.  If  the  father  call  his  children  and 
domestics  together,  and  with  them  bow  before  the  throne  of  mercy,  in 
heart-felt  supplication,  it  must  produce  a  happy  influence  upon  all, 
through  the  day.  The  parent  will  be  more  considerate  and  watch- 
ful, and  the  children  will  thereby  be  reminded  of  their  dependence 
on  the  ever  watchful  care  of  Providence,  of  their  amenability  to  the 
awful  tribunal,  and  of  their  need  of  an  interest  in  the  merit  of  a 
Savior's  grace.  Add  to  this,  the  promise  of  good,  is  expressly  to  those 
who  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  out  of  a  pure  heart  fervently. 
'In  all  thy  ways'  is  the  divine  counsel, '  acknoivledge  him,  and  he  shall 
direct  thy  paths.'  If  we  habitually  and  heartily  acknowledge  God  in 
our  households,  he  will  direct  us  in  training  them  up  for  him.  He 
will  guide  us  in  our  arrangements  for  their  interest,  and  in  a  wise 
Providence,  order  events  for  their  best  good.  This  sentiment  is 
confirmed  by  the  long  experience  of  a  man  of  God  of  old.  Said  he. 
"  /  have  been  young,  bid  now  am  old  ;  Yet  hvve  I  not  seen  the  righteous 
forsaken  nor  his  seed  begging  bread." 


234  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1847 

"A  man,  who  brings  up  his  children  without  the  fear  of  God,  can 
not  reasonably  hope  to  have  them  prosper  in  the  world.  It  is  a  la- 
mentable truth,  that  very  many,  and  even  some  who  profess  to  be 
the  disciples  of  the  Holy  Savior,  live  in  the  entire  neglect  of  family 
worship,  in  order  to  devote  their  time  to  the  accumulation  of  pro- 
perty. But  what  comfort  will  such  derive  from  their  professions 
in  the  reflecti'm,  that  the  moral  habits  of  their  children  have  been 
neglected,  and  that  they  have  gone  out  from  the  parental  roof,  totally 
destitute  of  all  religious  principle,  at  least,  so  far  as  their  influence 
is  concerned  1  Without  a  religious  piinciple,  men  are  incapable  of 
enjoying  the  blessings  of  Providence,  as  those  who  fear  God,  and 
have  respect  to  his  commandments,  enjoy  them.  Ah  I  there  is  no  gain 
in  the  end,  in  attempting  to  live  without  God. 

"  Finally,  let  it  be  considered  that  family  worship  is  among  the 
most  efficient  means  of  bringing  children  to  the  saving  knowledge  of 
the  truth.  This  service,  if  the  parent  be  honest  and  sincere  in  it,  has 
a  steady  and  constant  influence  in  keeping  religious  obligation  before 
the  minds  of  children,  and  in  preparing  their  hearts  to  be  affected  by 
other  means. 

"  In  conclusion,  Dear  Brethren,  permit  us  to  urge  the  importance  of 
daily  and  personal  religion,  in  all  our  various  associations.  "  Whatso- 
ever things  are  true;  rvhatsoever  things  are  honest;  whatsoever  things 
are  just ;  whatsoever  things  are  pure;  whatsoever  things  are  lovehi ; 
whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report ;  if  their  be  any  virtue;  if  there  be 
any  praise,  think  on  these  things." 

1847. 

The  Sixty-seventh  Anniversary  was  held  in  the  New 
meeting  house  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Shaftsbary  Centre, 
June  2d  and  3d,  according  to  appointment,  and  the  introduc- 
tory discourse  was  preached  by  Elder  J.  A.  Smith,  from 
1  Cor.  3:  23,  "And  ye  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's." 
Elder  C.  W.  Hodges  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder 
Eluid  Dotcher,  clerk.  The  5  churches  were  all  repre- 
sented, and  each  had  pastors  at  this  time.  But  Zi^n  was 
low,  and  no  revival  spirit  seemed  to  be  present  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association.  Only  5  were  reported  to  have 
bei'n  baptised  in  all  the  churches  ;  10  added  by  letter;  12 
dismissed  ;  8  excluded  ;  7  died  ;  and  a  total  of  653  in  fellow- 
ship.     The   Shaftbbury   centre   church   had   rebuilt  their 


CHAP.    VII,]  SEVENTH    TEN   YEARS.  235 

house  of  worship  during  the  year,  and  baptised  3  converts. 
This  church  had  now  become  the  only  visible  one  of  any 
order  in  the  town,  and  is  known  since  as  the  Shaftsbury 
Baptist  church.  The  I  Bennington  church  also  had  built  a 
new  house,  and  dedicated  it  to  the  worship  of  God  during 
the  year,  having  lost  their  former  beautiful  one  by  fire  in 
the  fiill  of  1845.  The  2d  Bennington  church  reported 
S72,20  contributed  for  benevolent  purposes  ;  and  the  Shafts- 
bury  $100,00.  The  circular  letter  was  written  by  Elder  J. 
A.  Smith,  "On  the  relation  which,  as  Christians,  we  sustain 
to  the  great  Moral  and  Religious  movements  of  the  day." 
This  circular  was  a  stirring  appeal  to  the  churches  to  be 
active  in  promoting  the  moral  and  religious  enterprises  of 
the  day,  for  the  good  of  man,  and  the  Glory  of  God. 

1848. 
The  Sixty-eighth  anniversary  was  held  with  the  Man- 
chester church,  June  7th  and  8th  as  appointed,  and  the  open- 
ing discourse  was  delivered  by  Elder  Josiah  Cannon,  of 
the  Vermont  Association,  from  1  Peter  2  .  17,  '■'■Honor  all 
men.''^  This  service  was  performed  by  a  visiting  minister, 
because  the  appointed  preacher,  Elder  Keach,  was  not 
present,  and  his  substitute  was  too  ill  to  preach.  Elder  C. 
W.  Hodges  was  re-elected  Moderator  and  Elder  Smith, 
clerk.  But  4  churches  were  represented,  although  intelli- 
gence was  received  from  the  other  by  letter,  the  Pownal ; 
and  the  Rupert  Baptist  church  united  with  the  Association, 
this  year,  increasing  the  membership  somewhat  in  the  body. 
And  yet  there  was  but  4  pastors  to  6  churches.  To  these 
33  had  been  added  by  baptism  ;  16  by  letter;  and  12  by 
experience  ;  while  22  had  been  dismissed ;  4  excluded  ;  8 
died;  and  thei'e  was  found  to  be  a  total  of  728.  A  little 
shower  had  been  enjoyed  at  Pownal  and  13  baptised,  while 
8  had  been  baptised  in  1  Bennington,  7  at  2  Bennington, 
and  5  at  Shaftsbury.  These  mercy  drops  were  refreshing 
upon  a  dry  and  thirsty  land,  after  a  drought  of  years.  At 
this  meeting  the  subject  came  up  in  regard  to  the  history  of 
the  Association,  as  the  following  recorded  action  will  show. 
^^  Voted,  That  a  committee  be  chosen  to  prepare  materials 
for  the  history  of  this  Association,  and  present  their  report 
to  the  Vermont  Baptist  Convention,  at  its  next  session.     I. 


236  SHAFTSBITRY    ASSOCIATION.  [1849 

Mattison,  N.  IT.  Bottom,  J.  A.  Smith,  John  S.  Pettiborie, 
C.  W.  Hodges,  and  M.  Batchelor  were  placed  on  this  com- 
mittee." At  tliis  time  it  was  uiulert-tood  that  t.he  State 
convention  were  designing  to  gatlier  materials  from  the 
wltoJe  state,  for  a  liistory  of  Vermont  Baptists.  But  this 
effort  of  the  convention  failing,  after  years  of  trial,  this  body 
went  forward  with  the  design  of  securing  the  publication  of 
its  own  history,  independent  of  other  bodies. 

This  bwly,  by  a  resolution  passed  at  this  session,  re- 
quested the  American  Bapist  Missionary  Union,  "  to  so 
alter  the  third  article  in  their  constitution,  at  their  next 
annual  meeting,  as  to  admit  annual  members  by  the  paj'- 
mant  of  fifty  dollars  ;"  which  recommendation  was  adopted 
unanimously.  Mrs.  Brown,  the  wife  of  our  esteemed 
Missionary  in  Assam,  Rev.  Nathan  Brown,  was  present 
at  this  session,  and  by  her  statements  in  regard  to  the 
wants  of  that  mission,  elicited  an  unusual  interest  in  behalf 
of  the  Foreign  Mission  work.  The  Association  raised  a 
committee  to  devise  a  plan  upon  which  they  would  raise 
annually,  the  support  of  an  assistant  for  Br.  Brown,  in  his 
crushing  labors  among  the  Assamese  people.  But  nothing 
definite  was  matured,  towards  accomplishing  the  work,  as 
we  can  learn.  The  appeals  of  sister  Brown,  however,  hav- 
ing been  formerly  a  resident  in  this  association,  moved  the 
sisters  of  the  several  churches  to  greater  activity  in  the  good 
work,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  missionary  spirit  gloAvs  more 
intensely  in  their  hearts,  for  the  visit  of  this  laborer  from 
the  domains  of  heathenism,  who  testified  to  what  she  had 
seen  and  heard. 

The  circular  letter  was  written  by  Elder  Hodges,  and 
is  a  plea  for  more  favor  from  the  brethren  in  the  churches 
towards  the  social  meetings  of  the  church.  It  is  kind  and 
earnest,  and  could  we  find  room,  it  would  enrich  two  or 
three  pages  of  this  work,  and  profit  all  who  might  prayer- 
fully read  it.  A  sermon  on  this  same  subject  of  similar 
worth  may  be  found  in  bis  volume  of  printed  sermons. 

1849. 

The  sixty-ninth  anniversary  was  held  with  the  Rupert 
Baptist  church,  the  6th  and  7th  days  of  June, 'according  to 
appointment,  when  Elder  I.  Mattison,  preached  the  intro 
ductory  sermon  from  Micah.  6  :  6,  8  verses.     Elder  Mat 


CHAP.    VII.]  SEVENTH    TEN   YEARS.  237 

Tisox  served  as  moderator,  and  Elder  J.  A.  Smith,  clerk. 
The  attendance  was  small,  on  account  of  the  distance  of 
the  place  of  meeting  from  the  body  of  the  churches.  All 
the  churches  were  repi'esented,  however,  by  one  or  more 
delegates,  and  four  pastors  were  present,  beside  Elder 
Mattison,  and  a  number  of  visiting  brethren  from  other 
bodies.  Little  busines  was  done,  worthy  of  repetition  here. 
There  had  been  33  baptised  during  the  year  in  all  the 
churches,  9  of  them  in  1st  Bennington,  1 1  in  Pownal,  and  9 
in  Rupert  ;  6  had  united  by  letter,  9  by  experience;  while 
20  had  been  dismissed  ;  3  excluded  ;  17  deceased,  and  738 
were  found  in  all  the  churches.  Sermons  were  preached 
during  the  session  by  Elder  J.  O.  Mason,  from  Rev.  17 : 
14  ;  and  A.  R.  Wells,  both  of  the  Washington  Union 
Association;  and  by  Br.  H.  B.  Knight,  from  Math.  7  :  21. 
Resolutions  were  passed  this  year  again,  as  well  as  the  year 
before,  "  recommending  the  churches  of  the  Association 
to  abstain  from  all  connection  with  secret  societies."  The 
circular  letter  printed  this  year,  was  written  by  Elder  Lan- 
sing Bailey,  of  Shaftsbury,  "On  the  success  of  the  Gospel, 
proportioned  to  the  faith  we  exercise  in  its  promotion." 

Elder  Mattison  introduced  his  discourse  at  the  opening 
of  this  session,  by  stating :  "  That  this  was  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  that  had  occurred,  since  he  first  began  to  at- 
tend the  meetings  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association.  It  is  45 
years  since  he  became  connected  with  it,  as  one  of  its  min- 
isters. At  that  time,  he  was  the  youngest  of  20,  then  com- 
posing the  ministerial  corps.  Of  that  20,  he  is  the  only 
survivor."  All  felt,  unquestionably,  a  peculiar  pleasure  in 
seeing  this  venerable  brother  in  the  chair,  a  connecting 
link  between  the  past  and  the  present. 

1850. 

The  Seventieth  Session  of  the  Association  was  held  with  the 
1  Bennington  church,  on  the  5th  and  6th  days  of  June;  when 
Elder  L.  Bailey,  of  Shaftsbury,  preached  the  annual  open- 
ing sermon  from  1  Cor.  12  :  27.  Elder  L  Mattison  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  Br.  Wm.  E.  Hawkes,  Clerk,  and  Br. 
Zadoc  L.  Taft,  Assistant,  Six  churches  were  represented, 
and  they  had  five  ministers.  There  had  been  42  added  by 
baptism,  36  by  letter,  24  dismissed,  4  e5(:cluded,  12  deceased; 

n* 


238  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1851 

and  a  total  was  found  of  775  in  all  the  cliurcbes.  Revival 
mercies  had  been  enjoyed  in  two  or  tiiree  churches.  To 
the  1  Bennington  9  had  been  added  by  baptism,  to  2d  Ben- 
nington 8,  and  23  to  tlie  Sliat'tsbury,  as  tlie  result  of  a 
meeting:  of  days  held  the  fall  previous.  About  $296,5'.> 
was  repo'ted  by  the  churches,  as  having  been  contributed 
for  the  various  objects  of  benevolence,  during  tlie  year. 
Two  or  three  discourses  were  j)reached  during  the  session, 
by  the  visiting  ministers  or  agents  of  Benevolent  societies. 
The  following  resolution  on  the  Bible  cause  may  be  worthy 
of  record,  as, the  sentiment  of  most  of  this  body,  respecting 
the  New  version  project,  so  much  mooted  at  that  time: 

'■^  Resolced,  That  although  we  believe  the  commonly  re- 
ceived version  of  the  English  scriptures,  susceptible  of  emen- 
dation, and  an  amended  versii>n  desirable,  provided  it  should 
come  from  a  source  securing  for  it  general  confidence;  yet 
believing  also  that  it  is  not  the  province  or  duty  of  the 
American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  to  attempt  such  a 
work,  we  heartily  approve  the  action  of  that  bodv,  at  its  late 
anniversary,  Avhereby  it  is  restricted,  in  its  English  issues 
and  circulation,  to  the  common  version." 

The  circular  letter  having  failed  by  the  removal  of  its  ap- 
pointed writer,  a  committee  presented  one  from  the  minutes 
of  the  Dutchess  Association  in  N.  Y.,  which  was  adopted, 
*'  On  the  importance  of  punctuality  "  in  the  various  relations 
of  life. 

This  session  was  harmonious,  though  not  veiy  fully  at- 
tended, some  thirty  or  more  delegates  being  present,  and  a 
few  visiting  brethren  from  abroad. 

1851. 
The  71st  Anniversary  of  this  body  was  held  with  the  2c1 
Bennington  church,  and  Elder  Edward  Conover,  of  1 
Bennington,  delivered  the  introductory  sermon  from  Heb. 
12:2,  "  Who  for  the  joy  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross." 
Elder  J.  D.  E.  Jones  of  the  2d  Bennington  church,  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  Br.  J.  Rochwood,  Clerk.  A  goodly 
number  of  visiting  brethren  and  ministers  were  in  attend- 
ance, who  aided  much  in  promoting  the  interest  of  the  occa- 
sion. The  church  in  I/oosick,  returned  again  to  this  body, 
and  was  welcomed   by  the  brethren,   with  its  pastor,    Elder 


CHAP.   VII  ] 


SEVENTH    TEN    YEARS. 


239 


Wm.  Arthur,  to  its  former  place  in  their  hearts.  There 
had  been  no  revivals  in  the  body,  and  Zion  was  low  and 
covered  with  mourning  and  desolation  that  the  Lord  had 
withdrawn  his  converting  power  from  among  his  churches. 
Various  items  of  business  were  done,  and  the  following  ta- 
ble will  show  the  state  of  the  churches  with  their  Pastors, 
and  the  names  of  delegates  in  attendance  this  year. 


Churches  and 
Clerks. 

Pastors  and  Dele- 
gates NAMES. 

CO 

> 

0 

w 

-r 
•X 
o 

a, 

53 
S_ 
o" 

O 
o 

5 

% 

> 

MONIES 
FOR 

BENEV'a 

1st  Bennington, 

E.  CoNovER,  E.  Win 

A.  B.  Valentine. 

slow,   L.   Downs, 
A.  J.  Haswell,  Z. 
L.  Tafft,  J.  Rock- 
wood,  A.  B.  Val- 

entine. 

2  n 

2 

5 

3 

169   $79  04 

2d  Bennington, 

J.D.  E.Jones,  W.J. 

1 

Wm.  E.  Hawks. 

V\atson,  I.  Gale 
J.  Diaper,  Jr..  S. 
C.  Looniis,  A.  Ro 
slier,  C.  Dyer,  P 
E.  Ball.  E  Dutch 

\ 

er,  0.  Whipple. 

1    5 

3 

103 

141  33 

Manchester, 

3.    Wright,    J.    S 

John  W.Harris. 

Pettibone,  M  Slo 

cum,  G.  Brownson, 

A.  Lawrence. 

2 

o 

A. 

1 

fi 

2 

95 

67  73 

POWNAL, 

M.    Batch FxoR,    0 

J.  Myers. 

Bates,  A,  G  Par- 
ker,   A.    Lincoln, 
D.   Wilson,  E.  W. 
Solomons,  J.  My 
ers. 

2 

6 

1 

113 

Shaftsburt, 

— ,    Arthur   Day,* 

N.  H.  Bottom. 

E.  Clark,  S.  Cran- 
ston. S.  Bates,  S. 
Whipple,  G.  Hun- 
tington,^!!. Bot- 

tom. 

2 

8 

3 

206 

175  00 

Rupert, 

So  report  this  year 

78 

HoosicK, 

vVm.  Arthur,  H.  Bo 

A.  Hoag. 

vee,  K  Ostrander 
P.  M.  Armstroni^ 
H.    Hawks,    J 

Agan,  A.  Hoag. 

n_ 

1 
17 

8 

2 
24 

6 

3 

6 

!_ 

99 

70  41 

6 

893 

§588  61 

240  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [1852 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  for  the  last  few  years,  there  has 
been  some  gain  of  members  in  the  whole  Association,  al- 
though no  general  revival  has  been  experienced  among  the 
churches  since  1843.  Tlie  least  number  reported  was  653, 
in  1847,  from  5  churches  ;  and  in  1851,  there  was  reported 
863.  A  circular,  prepared  by  a  brother  appointed  for  the 
purpose  at  the  last  session,  was  read,  but  not  answering  the 
minds  of  the  Association,  they  adopted  one  from  the  min- 
utes of  the  Wayne  Association,  Nevv  York,  "On  the  Immor- 
tality of  the  soul,  or  its  separate  existence  from  the  body, 
after  death."  This  was  a  timely  production  for  some  church- 
es in  the  body. 

The  committee  charged  the  year  before  with  the  duty  of 
"preparing  a  history  of  the  Association,  as  far  as  possible,  to 
present  at  our  next  annual  session,''  reported  through  Elder 
Stephen  Wright,  a  general  sketch  of  the  rise  and  pro- 
gress of  the  body,  with  notices  of  some  revivals  among  the 
churches,  in  a  document,  that  miglit  fill  6  or  8  pages  of  the 
minutes;  as  it  was  expected  by  the  committee  that  their 
work  would  thus  be  presented,  if  at  all,  before  the  public. 
But  instead  of  this,  the  Association  expressed  their  thanks 
for  what  had  been  done,  and  requested  the  committee  to  con- 
tinue their  work,  ;ind  cause  to  be  publislied  in  a  book  form, 
1000  or  more  copies  for  circulation;  with  an  assurance  of 
indemnification  against  loss,  if  any  might  accrue  by  its  pub- 
lication. Other  names  were  added  to  the  committee,  as  ad- 
visory help,  and  with  such  auspices  the  junior  member,  has 
prosecuted  the  work  amidst  the  labors  of  a  pastorate  towards 
completion.  And  here  it  may  be  said,  that  it  so  grew  in  his 
hands,  that  it  remained  incomplete  till  after  the  session  of 
1852,  and  hence  the  doings  of  that  session  are  noticed 
below. 

1852. 

The  Seventy-second  session  was  held  with  the  1st  Bap- 
tist church  in  Hoosick,  at  their  meeting-house  at  the  Four 
Corners,  June  4th  and  5th,  when  Polder  J.  D.  E.  Jones 
preached  the  opening  sermon  from  Nehemiah,  5  :  9.  Polder 
W.M.  Arthur,  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Brother  A.  B. 
Valentine,  clerk.     Six  churches  were  represented,  all  but 


CHAP,   Vn.]  SEVENTH    TEN    YEARS.  241 

1  Bennington  havin;;  pastors.  Only  4  had  been  added  by 
baptism  in  all  the  churches  ;  4  by  letter  ;  while  17  had  been 
dismissed;  10  dropped  from  the  Shiftsbury  church ;  4  ex- 
cluded, and  IG  had  died,  leaving  a  total  of  753  in  the  body. 
The  Rupert  church  did  not  represent  itself  this  year,  and 
having  returned  into  the  Washington  Union  Association, 
ceased  thereby  its  connexion  with  this  body.  The  contri- 
butions for  Benevolent  purposes  this  year,  amounted  to 
about  S376,65,  including  S32,00  from  the  Manchester  church 
not  reported  to  the  Association,  on  account  of  a  change  of 
pastors.  It  is  thought,  that  were  all  the  churches  to  con- 
tribute their  full  quota  to  the  cause  of  benevolence  in  this 
body,  their  annual  monies  would  not  fall  short  of  six  or  eight 
hundred  dollars,  beside  the  support,  as  each  is  able,  of  their 
own  pastors.  These  receive  from  ^300,00  per  annum,  to 
$500,00,  with  gome  perquisites  beside.  Not  less  than  three 
sermons  were  preached  during  the  session  beside  the  intro- 
ductory ;  and  short  addresses  were  made  by  several  agents 
present,  in  behalf  of  their  respective  objects.  The  circular 
by  Brother  J.  Rockivood,  of  1  Bennington  church,  was  on 
"Christian  Enterprise  and  Benevolence,"  and  is  a  well  writ- 
ten and  appropriate  one  for  the  times. 

On  the  whole,  this  last  was  an  interesting  and  profitable 
session,  and  may  it  not  be  hoped  that  this  Venerable 
Body  will  yet  enjoy  many  such  ere  its  usefulness  shall 
cease,  or  its  organization  be  broken  up?  During  the  period 
embraced  in  this  chapter,  there  has  been  a  number  of  pre- 
cious and  powerful  revivals  of  religion,  mostly  in  the  earlier 
portion  of  it ;  some  of  the  sessions  have  been  rather  stormy 
from  diverse  views  of  policy  in  regard  to  some  of  the  moral 
and  religious  enterprises  of  the  day  ;  but  on  the  whole,  there 
has  been  an  advance  of  the  body  in  lil)eral  contributions  for 
benevolent  purposes;  most  of  the  churches  have  re-built  or 
improved  their  houses  of  worship  ;  and  although  there  has 
been  no  general  revival  for  several  years,  the  whole  number 
in  the  fellowship  of  the  churches,  is  but  a  little  less  than  in 
1842.  And  with  God's  blessing  on  well-directed  and  per- 
severing efforts,  this  Association  is  destined,  we  trust,  to  re- 
new her  years  and  increase  in  usefulness. 


242 


SIIAFTSBURV  ASSOCIATION. 


[81-1806 


Total 

to 

eocoo-*oeio>3s  —  oooor~ooo>-'Coco(M 

O'-i^»0>OOO<M00u-::£>cD(M  —   (MOSOCilM 
OOi— iiOt^  —   0   0)0— l-*^Tl^O«MC>CO'TlO.— 

Died      | 

o 

CM   0 

.0        ccoj -^■^joincco0'3<--2iooo 

I— 1           ^.^>i'M'MCM  —    —    COCO-^COCO-MCM 

Excl'd  1 

■<1< 

10  «o 

CO        '>jc-Tt<'M:cx-*T*<t-'-^M<0'i<co 

Dism'd.  1 

^ 

CO    - 

CO        looo^Dijocooioit-joo  —  -XJO-r. 

50          .—  QOOC-£-«DI-.-iOOC-)asiOOSCO 

BY  LET.    1                                                                                                                                       1 

Bapt'd.  1 

I:- 

CO           ^iOi>)0— '-x<M£-0—   lOrrCrsiO 
0          cOTt<005Dl:-OCO«a><NOO   —  'Mr}> 
•rl>          caco— 'CJW  —  t-r~CO(MC^COi?l— < 

Min'rs. 

lO 

^  0 

00s          0>COOOOGO<35CC?5— '-^COCOOCO 
—c   ^           ^   C-l   C-4   C-'   C-J   i?4  CO   CO   CO  CO   CO   CO   CO   IM 

Ch'hs.    1 

lO 

tC    L-    M    -JD    M       .    0    0    C-l    00  r-   L—    CO    JO    -qi    ■^J^   00    00    CC  1 

rn 

a 

w 

O 

d 

a; 

5 

o 

a 

Sara'l.  Whelpley,  jr., 

Thomas  Whelpley, 
S.  Whelpley  jr, 

do 
J.  Hull, 
L.  Covell. 
.1.  Leland, 
E.  Bjirber, 
Elias  Lee, 
L.  Covell 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

1^' 
o 

» 

a 

o 

d 

> 

o 

"o 
12; 

5  cs 

dm 

1    1111  i1l.l1  1  =  11  1 
d     dOn'i-D'diJd'zjdO'-j'-JddTi 

C5 

a 

o 

< 

a 
P-( 

'3 

3 

rr   a; 

■^daf-i^d-^'TJi-J-i  o'w  d  J  a  d 

O 

g 

CS 

««    to 

CO  W 

Adams, 

Stockbridge, 

Stillwater, 

Pittstown, 

Pownal, 

Stillwater, 

W.  Stockbridge, 

Bottskill, 

1st  Stephent.n. 

■2d  Stephentown, 

4th  Shaftsbury, 

2d  Galway, 

l-'ittstown, 

W.  Stockbridge, 

Clifton  Park, 

Hoosick  Falls, 

Trov, 

CO  00 

1^    00    05 

00  00  00 

— . —  <7/cOTf.0^i:^coc-c:^^oico-^»oc£) 

Oidio^c^cioiciojoi^o  000000 

i:~                                                        00 

Sess'ns 

*    eo  £-  CO  as 

1^ 

©—(MCO-^incOJr-OOOSOr-lcMCOTltiocD 

CHAP,  ril.]  STATISTICS.  243 


00'^^so— 'T»<i:--S^(3i^cOcOTf<c>Ii:-<:OOOiCt-coi.'5Mir30~io«oo<M 
OOOsCC-l^J-X!!.—  C3  —  t—^itOOC-TfcCt-tMr—  —  -tiO00CCi?lc>Tr—   05 

(Mcccccot-«Ei/:'OvCiOioiO<Mcc  i    ooii^t^cir-ioeo  —  Ooi'^i/iioo 
cceccccorTeococccocococccQcce-i^JiMeJM'jjjjoje-]  cj  —  (;vj  _  _  _ 


0  cc  or 

■M 

Tl 

CO 

J:- 

■* 

01 

?T   (N    71 

CO 

CO 

CO 

o^  M*  •*  cc  CO 

— 

<M 

v". 

^ 

CO  -r  01  01  — 

0    <M  ^-. 

.  01   ■*    lO 

■^^ 

'J. 

ac 

00 

■T 

-r 

.    -*  eft 

CO    CO    — 

10 

0-1 

—  cc  00  CO  o< 

CO     T*<    Tj<    CO     -^ 

-t 

tH 

CO 

iC 

CC    C5    ^    CO    lO 
CO    CO    —    CO    — 

0  —  or 
r-  0  ir- 

00 

0 

<M 

iQ 

c- 

00 
00 

Oi    —    TT 
lO  w    CO 

Tr 

00 

~    C-4    .00    0    C2 

0  t-  rf  »  r- 

Si 
0 

1 

05 

-* 

-r  CO  CO  I—  CO 

0    —   J.^   0    TJ- 

I— 

CO 

CO 

co 

"oo" 

05 

++CO 

CO 
CO  0  0 

01    r-i    CO 
•M  10   (M 

00 

C-l 

C5 
00 

CO 

CO 

CO 

--0  00  t-   C    U3 

Oi  s^<  C.0  Tj<  in 

r- 

00 

0 

CT 

CO 

to  rt<  CO  CO  CO 

CO   02   CD   CO   CO 

«o  ^  — 
cc  •*  a> 

C-l    CO    -M 

tjs   ■<l<  (M  Cl  — 

X.  in  0  —  1:- 

CO 

s 

IT- 

00 

—    C    3S    00    CO 
CO   lO   10  00  CO 

c5    C-4    OJ 

i? 

0^ 

71 

C<1 

?i  —  ..-. 

<M   -M  — 

lO 

33 

T*< 

>Q  C3  -M  ff(   — 
—   —   7)   CI  -M 

1— 

CO 

0 

Oi 

10  CO  0  CO  l:^ 

TT   •<1<    CO 
CO   CO  CO 

CO 
_CO^ 

CO 

CO 

CO 

0 

0   TJ  0 

^  CO  CO 

?^ 

CO 

_2t 

lO  r-  »  00  tfi  OS 

Oi    CJ   C-i   <»   71   Oi 

Ol 

Ci 

CO 
^1 

CO 

VO   TJ.  CO  CO   0 
Ol  eq  _  _  _ 

»-    O     I ■ 


23 


^^'S 


o   o  ' 


M         ^  -• «  o  o  o  -^ '^ ; .  I  i ^" '^ '^ I 

jz;  d  ^  3 fo     fa  ^  ^  d        o     ci3        o"  o  ^  b  1^  7j 


^^ 

.a^ 

fcOj3         ^ 

SO 

C3 

0    c!         cS 

0) 

>•> 

W^         ^ 

HH 

i_;-3 

^'•-^         ^ 

a 

-3    03 

CS 

ci    o) 

b£ 

^^ 

5J 

s 

cd 

a  ci        >-, 

a> 

a; 

so        oT 

Hall, 
W.  B 
Hall, 
Kenn 

*~" 



' 

_ 

•T! 

p 

a" 

p 

^ 

^ 

3^     <p 

Webb, 
Webb, 
Webb, 

n  a 

2 

0 

1- 

ci 

3 

a; 

0- 

"3 
0 

0 

s 

s 

2 
? 

•■•5 

_c 

^ 

a; 

"3 
a 

-5  -2 

J3" 

fc4 

0 

h-; 

,--^- 

00 

h-; 

<d 

(^ 

"• 

<3 

H^ 

Es, 

<1 

^ 

H-i 

^• 

Q 

!-• 

"-j'W 

i-i 

Cii 

h^ 

KH 

h-: 

-o  c  0:  ^  d  •-:  r-  _' "S  •-;  ^  >  S  -j^  -^  ^  M  —  ^  -  ?!  «  ~  T,  oj  ►;;-?,  -q  « 


kJ  i-^  "-^  <i  d  ^  d  ^  --•  >-i  v:"  a  d  ^-j  d  '-^  a"  >^  <i  M 1^  a"  w  i-H-  gL  h"  >-:  N  g-: 


W    .r 


tc        i-^         >.      .      .        ►^  oT         >,        t:;a  ■-  t.- 


244 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATIOX. 


[1836-53 


O 

< 
I— ( 
O 

o 

CO 
CO 

<i 
>^ 

& 
CO 


05   J-.  ClOCll-t-OOl-^OSOSO-t-C-Jr-OOt- 


^TicD!         I    tD0J01'rjlCCCClTl<C0O'^£-001:-CNC0O 


Excl'd.  I 


t-<MCO-^Ti<(>»^lO  —   lOiOOOTtOT-^COTfl 


B,       I    ^  i,—  ■^  !C  t-  i:~  -"Ti  r~  -31  OS  ■■£  lO  :'t>  ?t  <>4  t»  •^ 
WT  D.         — I  COr)<c]0  oOr-1,-1  OTCOttl 


Min'rs.  I  '^ 


000    C'^T}(iOOcDO'<i<iQO«OiOiOiOCC 


UHHS       I    ^  '^  — ^O0500£-i.'5iO'Ol0>OO5C>«3t-<£>50 


'  &ESS  NS 


01  a 

S  ^  M  <j  P  <H  "^  (^^  j§  l^^  ^ 
^'  rd  ^  "j  a  M  d  ^'  ^  w  ^     ^  1-^  <i  1-^ 


a 


=5  ^  rt  ^ 


CO  H-:  CO  i-i  >-i 


^   I*  >■  fe-  uS 


.9  ^ 


■^"  ~-  ai  7? '-;'  <i  i-s'  ^"  a  d  N  '^"  ^  >-i  hJ  a  »-;•  d 


tJDj 


■-  .-^    T.    3 


C3     - 


£  cs 


-  §■•!  to 


(?;  o 


CHAP.  VIII.]  OTHER    ASSOCIATIOIS'S.  245 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

OTHER    ASSOCIATIO-NS,    THAT    HAVE    BEEN    FORMED,    MORE    OR 
LESS  FROM  THE  SHAFT5BURY. 


It  may  be  proper  to  give  a  brief  account  of  the  origin  and 
present  condition  of  the  circumjacent  bodies,  that  have  been 
formed  mostly,  or  in  considerable  part,  of  churches  once  era- 
braced  within  the  arras  of  this  ibster-raother ;  the  Shafts- 
bury  Baptist  Association.  For  the  gratification  of  many 
who  would  like  to  know  something  of  their  beginning,  pro- 
gress and  present  state,  we  will  condense  in  a  brief  state- 
ment, some  account  of  the  Saratoga,  Hudson  River,  Berk- 
shire, Washington  Union,  and  IStefhentoxcn  Associations, 
each  of  which  is  now  made  up,  in  considerable  part,  of 
churches,  once  belonging  to  the  Shaftsbury  body.  This 
statement,  with  the  Historical  Tables  of  the  annual  meetings 
of  each  of  these  bodies  from  their  commencement  to  the  year 
18o2,  will  show  at  a  glance,  What  God  hath  wrought  in 
the  section  of  country  once  occupied  by  the  old  mother 
of  Associations,  and  enable  us  to  realize  how  great  has  been 
his  goodness  to  us,  as  a  denomination,  in  this  region  during 
the  sevent)y-three  years  now  past,  since  the  Shaftsbury  stan- 
dard was  first  spread  out  by  our  Fathers,  before  the  breezes 
of  Heaven. 

I.     THE    SARATOGA    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION. 

The  above  named  body  was  organized  by  churches  who 
had  all  been  members  of  the  Shaftsbury,  in  the  year  1804. 
Some  account  of  this  organization,  may  be  found  in  the  body 
of  this  work,  at  pages  94,  95,  and  101.  This  was  the  first 
colony,  sent  out  from  the  old  hive,  and  having  a  good  terri- 
tory, and  being  ruled  by  good  counsels,  it  has  grown  to  be 
a  strong  and  efficient  body,  that   has  wielded  an  influence 


24G  SHAFTSBURV    ASSOCIATION.  [180^-52 

widely  through  the  lanJ.  Its  ministers  and  churches  have 
stood  uj)  amidst  the  coiiHicts  and  labors  of  the  past  half  cen- 
tury, for  the  defence  und  propagation  of  the  Gospel,  in  their 
own  borders,  towards  the  growing  West,  and  even  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth.  For  from  one  of  the  churches  of  this  body 
the  Nortliarapton,  went  out  the  laborious  and  self-denying 
Miss  Eleanor  Macomber  to  do  a  good  work  among  the 
distant  heathen,  ere  she  laid  down  her  life,  and  rested  from 
her  toils  in  Burmah.  And  the  2d  Gahvay  church  in  1825, 
'26  gave  up  its  youthful  pastor,  Rev.  Kugenio  Kincaid  for 
the  nobler  work  ol  missions,  ai  the  call  of  the  Great  Shep- 
herd, feeling  that  if  he  was  a  d<ibtor  to  the  heathen  in  Bur- 
mali,  they  must  yield  him  cordially  to  the  higher  claims  of 
the  foreign  field. 

This  body  reported  14  churches;  9  ministers,  and  1,432 
members,  at  its  first  session  held  at  Botfskill,  Wednesday, 
August  2 1st,  1805.  In  1827,  the  following  churches  were 
dismissed  from  this  body  to  form  the  Washington  Associa- 
tion ;  viz,  Hartford.  Kingshuri/  and  Hartford,  Salem,  Lu- 
zerne, and  the  2d  Fort  Ann.  This  reduced  the  strength  of 
the  body  somewhat ;  taking  away  several  valuable  churches 
and  ministers,  and  about  1,000  members.  But  there  was 
left  22  churches,  10  ministers,  and  2  500  members.  And 
for  a  few  years,  there  was  still  a  diminution  of  churches, 
and  of  members  till  1830,  when  but  16  churches  were  re- 
ported in  the  convention,  with  some  1,900  members.  This 
decrease  was  occasioned  by  the  falling  off  of  two  or  three 
more  churches,  that  joined  the  Bottskill  Association  in  1831 
-32,  but  remained  otdy  a  few  years. 

From  1834  to  the  present  time  this  body  has  maintained 
a  vigorous  course  of  usefulness,  having  a  strong  corps  of 
pastors,  who  have  been  favored  with  frequent  revivals  of 
religion  in  their  respective  churches,  most  of  them,  building 
up  pastors  and  people  together  in  their  most  holy  faith. 
The  largest  membership  of  this  whole  Body  was  in  1821, 
when  there  were  3,940  members  in  26  churches,  having  18 
ministers  in  them  all.  There  was  a  like  enlargement  in 
1844,  when  in  28  churches,  with  25  ministers,  there  were 
reffOrted  3,925  members  in  the  whole  body  ;  having  baptised 
during  the  two  previous  years,  no  less  than  900  in  all  the 
churches.     Since   that  time,  there  has   been  less  additions, 


CHAP.   VII.]  OTHER  ASSOCIATIOXS.  247 

although,  in  the  years  1850,  '51  about  60f)  were  added  by 
baptism  to  the  churches.  In  1852  there  were  26  churches 
27  ministers  and  over  3,100  members  in  the  body. 

The  benevolent  contributions  of  this  Association  have  al- 
ways been  large,  for  the  various  objects  of  regard  patronized 
by  our  denomination.  The  statistical  table  in  this  chapter 
•will  exhibit  at  a  glance,  the  whole  progress  of  this  enterpri- 
sing band  of  churches  for  nearly  fifty  years.  May  its  use- 
fulness never  diminish ;  and  may  the  showers  of  divine 
grace  still  descend  upon  both  pastors  and  ch\irches, henceforth, 
as  hitherto,  until  all  the  waste  places  around  them  shall  be- 
come a  fruitful  field,  and  the  generations  to  come  enjoy  a  sim- 
ilar blessing  from  the  Lord  in  all  their  borders.  "For  our 
brethren  and  companions'  sakes,  we  will  now  say,  Peace  be 
with  them." 


ir.     HUDSON    RIVER    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION. 

We  propose  to  give  a  very  brief  sketch  of  the  rise  and 
progress  of  this  body,  because  a  number  of  its  churches 
were  once  in  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  and  we  suppose 
such  a  general  statement  will  be  gratifying  to  many  of  the 
readers  of  this  work.  For  the  same  reason  we  insert  their 
historical  table,  as  printed  in  the  minutes  of  1850.  It  is 
not  as  full  of  statistics,  as  the  other  tables,  but  it  gives  a 
general  view  of  the  progress  and  strength  of  that  body  up 
to  the  time  of  the  division  into  Hudson  River  Norih,  and 
Hudson  River  South ;  as  well  as  the  present  condition  of 
this  noble-hearted  band  of  churches. 

The  HuDsox  River  Baptist  Association  was  or- 
ganized November  15,  1815,  in  the  village  of  Poughkeepsie, 
where  also  it  held  its  first  anniversary,  August,  28th,  29ih, 
1816.  The  ibllowing  six  churches  made  up  the  Body  at  its 
fii'st  session,  viz. : 

PoHffhkeepsie,  Lewis  Leoxard,  Pastor,  with  84  members. 

Fayette  street,  N.  Y.,  .John  William*,  Pastor,  with  401         do. 

Malbcrrii  street,  N.  Y  ,  Aschibald  Macl*y,  Pastor,  258         do. 

Mount  Pleasant,  Jacob  H.  BaouvEa,  Pastor,  with      41         do. 

i:f«o?.so«  Church,  James  G.  Ogilvie,  Pastor,  with         47         do. 

Troy,  (First  Church,)  Charles  G.  Somehs,  Pastor,     157         do. 

Total  of 988  members. 


248  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [1815-52 

From  such  a  humble  beginning  has  this  body,  scattered 
along  the  water  courses  of  south-eastern  New  York,  grown 
in  about  thirty-five  years,  to  the  unwieldiy  bulk  of  G5 
churches,  having  some  85  ordained  ministers;  19  licen- 
tiates ;  and  a  grand  total  of  13,617  members  in  the  whole 
connexion  in  1850.  At  this  period  a  division  of  the  body 
was  effected  with  mutual  good  feeling,  and  for  the  general 
convenience  of  all  concerned  ;  as  a  constituency  so  large, 
could  not  well  be  entertained,  even  a  small  representation 
of  it,  except  by  a  few  churches,  without  burdening  the 
friends  in  the  church  where  they  miglit  meet.  The  divid- 
ing line  is  east  and  west  through  the  village  of  Pouglikeep- 
sie,  giving  one  of  the  churches  in  that  flourishing  place  to 
each  body,  and  so  also  holding  the  two  kindred  families  of 
one  common  name,  in  fraternal  bonds  of  union  by  the  memo- 
ries of  that  place  of  their  earliest  organization.  We  do  not 
know  that  there  has  ever  been  any  serious  rupture  of  feel- 
ings at  any  time,  among  the  brethren  or  churches  of  this 
body,  so  that  the  bonds  of  a  common  fellowship  in  the  Gos- 
pel liave  been  separated. 

Of  the  churches,  associated  in  the  Hudson  River  Body, 
the  following  have  been  connected  for  a  longer  or  shorter 
period,  witli  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  viz. :  First  Albany  ; 
Lansinghurgh ;  Plttstoivn;  Schenectady,  First  Troy,  and 
West  Hillsdale  These  six  churches  now  embrace  a  raem- 
bersliip  of  more  than  1,G00  in  fellowship.  Beside  these,  a 
number  of  other  churches  in  the  Hudson  River  Association 
North,  were  formed  from  the  six  above  named.  Such  as 
the  four  or  five  Albany  churches,  North  Troy,  1st  Half- 
moon,  and  Sandlake,  if  not  also  the  churches  of  Cohoes  and 
Newtonville. 

The  Hudson  River  Association  North,  has  30  churches 
in  its  embrace,  with  about  30  ordained  and  6  licensed  min- 
isters, and  a  membership  of  about  4,500  in  fellowship.  The 
Southern  division  embraces  35  churches,  with  about  51  or- 
dained and  14  licensed  ministers,  and  nearly  8,000  mem- 
beisin  all  the  churches.  May  these  bodies  never  decrease 
in  their  power  of  usefulness. 


Chap,  viii.]  othee  associations.  240 

III.     BERKSHIRE  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 

This  Body  was  organized  in  1827,  although  the  effort 
was  commenced  as  early  as  June,  1826.  By  a  reference  to 
the  body  of  this  work,  page  179,  it  will  be  seen  that  the 
project  was  then  commenced.  The  first  anniversary  was 
held  at  Pittsfield  the  last  Wednesday  in  May,  1828,  as  we 
infer  from  the  appointment  of  messengers  in  June,  1827,  by 
the  Shaftsbury  Association  to  meet  with  the  Berlishire 
brethren  at  that  time  and  place.*  If  they  held  a  session 
in  1827  we  cannot  find  the  official  account  of  it  in  any  min- 
utes extant.  Nor  would  the  numbering  oi  their  annual 
minutes  as  published,  indicate  that  an  earlier  session  was 
held.  Even  the  minutes  of  the  session  for  1828,  we  have 
not  attained,  though  we  have  all  of  a  later  date.  But  in 
18211  they  report  14  churches,  7  ordained  ministers  and  844 
members. 

The  growth  of  this  body  was  slow  at  first ;  and  for  a  few 
years  it  decreased,  till  in  1837  it  only  reported  11  churches, 
with  a  total  of  671  members  in  them  all.  But  better  times 
have  come ;  and  since  1840  the  Baptist  cause  in  Old  Berk- 
shire has  been  rising  and  spreading  over  the  county,  till 
there  ai'e  20  very  efficient  churches,  having  some  25  minis- 
ters among  them,  and  a  menibership  of  about  3,000  in  fel- 
lowship. There  has  been  more  strength  in  the  ministerial 
corps  of  this  association  in  these  later  years,  and  with  more 
enterprise  in  the  whole  business  interest  of  the  community, 
our  brethren  have  seen  the  importance  of  cultivating  their 
borne  field,  and  God  has  blessed  their  efforts.  The  Table 
we  give  below  will  show  the  progress  of  this  association,  and 
we  leave  that  to  tell  the  rest  of  the  tale  respecting' this  body. 
It  will  be  seen  that  the  cause  of  benevolence  is  cherished 
among  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Berkshire,  although  their 
soil  is  not  the  most  fertile  ibr  the  agriculturist.  But  the  me- 
chanic, the  mnnufactuier,  and  the  schoolmaster  are  abroad  in 
that  territory,  with  the  facilities  of  intei course  with  the  sea- 
board and  the  whole  country,  afforded  by  the  western  rail- 
road coursing  through  their  vallies  and  mountain  passes,  from 
Boston  to  Albany,  and  from  North  Adams  to  New  York 
city,  and  why  should  not  Berkshire  county   furnish   the  ma.- 

*  See  page  183  of  this  work. 


250  SHAFTSBUKV  ASSOCIATION.  [1827-52 

terial  nnd  the  motive  for  Baptists  to  grow  and  become  a 
strong  people  through  the  favor  of  God  upon  their  efforts? 
The  interest  that  our  honored  brother,  Governor  Briggs, 
(who  resides  at  Pittsfi(.-hl,)  has  taken  in  our  aifairs,  has  been 
no  small  benefit  to  our  feeble  churches  in  that  region.  May 
the  evening  of  his  life  be  as  calm  and  happy,  as  its  meridian 
has  been  useful  and  honorable. 


IV.    WASHINGTON  UNION  BAPTIST  ASSO- 
CIATION. 

This  association  is  successor  to  the  Washington  Tcndi  BottS" 
kill  associations,  that  existed  a  few  years  in  the  county  of 
Washingion,  N.  Y.  They  were  antagonistic  bodies,  or  at 
least  tlie  churches  composing  (hem  did  not  fellowship  each 
other  for  awhile,  as  the  ibliowing  sketch  of  them  will  show. 
We  cannot  give  a  lengthy  account  of  any  of  these  bodies  ; 
but  enough  to  show  their  origin  and  general  course  of  travel. 

The  Washington  Baptist  Association  was  organized 
at  a  convention  held  in  Hartford,  August  18th  and  l9th, 
182G,  composed  of  delegates  from  the  several  churches  fol- 
lowing, viz.  :  Hartford,  Adamsville,  Salem  and  Luzerne, 
from  the  Saratoga,  i\n(\  the  Granville,  Hampton  and  Hebron 
churches,  from  the  Vermont  Association.  This  body  held 
its  first  anniversary  at  Adamsville,  June  13lh  and  14th, 
1827,  when  the  2d  Fort  Ann  Baptist  Church  united  with 
them,  making  eigJit  churches,  that  had  sei'en  ministers  and 
1,217  members  in  feilowsiiip.  Their  increase  was  but  little 
for  the  whole  period  of  their  organized  existence,  as  their 
territory  lay  between  that  of  the  Saratoga  and  Vermont 
.bodies,  or  was  rather  a  portion  of  territory  taken  from  these 
bodies  in  such  a  way  and  time  that  it  could  not  well  enlarge  its 
borders.  The  following  extract  from  the  ffth  rule  of  deco- 
rum in  the  Constitution  will  show,  at  least  in  part,  why  this 
body  did  not  expand  more  in  the  territory  that  it  occupied. 

"  And  whereas,  long  experience  has  shown  that  the  sub- 
ject of  Free-masonry,  when  introduced  into  an  association, 
has  been  i)roductive  of  much  evil  without  effecting  any 
good  ;  we  iherefore  refer  that  subject  to  the  wisdom  of  each 
church,  and  forever  close  the  doors  of  this  association  against 
it" 


CHAP.    VIII.]  OTHER  ASSOCIATIONS.  251 

It  \\ill  be  seen  that  this  was  designed  to  estop  all  inquiry 
into  the  merits  or  demerits  of  an  institution  of  doubtful 
moral  character;  at  a  time  too,  when  the  public  mind  was 
greatly  agitated  by  the  recent  disclosures  of  Wm.  Morgan, 
in  regard  to  the  moral  evils  of  Free-raasonry.  And  as  this 
Constitution  was  framed  the  very  same  season  that  Morgan 
disappeared  so  strangely,  and  was  framed  also  by  men  who 
were  mostly  in  connexion  with  the  institution  at  the  time,  as 
the  leading  ministers  in  this  organization  were,  it  need  not 
be  wondered  at  that  this  body  grew  so  slow.  For  a  counter- 
current  had  been  set  at  work  in  the  minds  of  many,  that 
could  no  more  be  stayed  in  its  progress  than  the  rushing  wa- 
ters of  Niagara;  tliat  demanded  of  all  men,  and  not  less  of 
Christian  men  and  churches,  an  examination  of  the  merits 
or  demerits  of  Free-masonry.  It  will  be  recollected  that  the 
Shaftsbury  Association  in  the  year  1798,  and  again  in 
1802-3,  had  expressed  their  opinion  adverse  to  the  union  of 
church  members  with  Freemason  lodges  ;*  and  now  in  the 
Saratoga  Association  at  its  session,  June  28th  and  29th, 
1826,  held  at  Salem,  the  fbllowir.g  action  is  recorded. 

"  Whereas  the  Bottskill  church  manifested  a  dissatisfac- 
tion with  the  churches  for  holding  in  fellowship,  members 
who  frequent  Masonic  Lodges,  and  appear  with  their  badges 
on,  at  their  celebrations  ;  Resolved,  That  Elder  Barber  have 
the  liberty  to  read  the  result  of  a  council  held  in  Bottskill, 
the  2d  of  November  1808,  on  the  subject  of  Masonry. 
Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  each  church  in  the  association, 
be  requested  to  write  their  views  on  this  subject,  to  the 
Bottskill  church,  previous  to  the  next  session  of  the  Asso- 
ciation."! 

With  such  adverse  views  on  this  subject,  is  it  strange  that 
the  men  of  those  days  should  have  had  some  sharp  conten- 
tion between  them,  like  Paul  and  Barnabas  of  old  ?  And 
with  the  feelings  naturally  engendered  by  such  views,  what 
wonder  if  they  separated  and  went  different  ways  for  years? 
Those  who  were  afraid  of  discussion  could  not  assoriate 
with  those  who  woidd  discuss  and  examine  this  exciting 
topic,  and  so  a  f^iw  churches  gathered  around  this  new  stand- 
ard a  few  years,  while  others  erected  still   another,   around 

*  Bee  pages  57,  93  and  93  of  this  work, 
t  Saratoga  minutes  of  1S26,  p.  6,  7, 


252  SHAFTSBURy  ASSOCIATION.  [1827-52 

which  the)f  marshalled  their  forcfs,  and  strengthened  them- 
selves against  all  secret.,  oath-hound  societies  of  men  for  any 
purpose  whatever.  Tlie  Washington  Association  in  1833, 
reported  11  churches,  6  ministers,  and  3  licentiates,  with  an 
aggregate  of  1,(535  members,  the  largest  number  it  ever 
reached  in  the  eight  years  of  its  separate  existence. 

The  otlter  standard  alluded  to,  was  erected  in  1831,  with 
(he  name  and  title  of  the  "  Bottskill  Baptist  AssociA' 
TioN."  This  organization  commenced  in  a  convention  that 
met  at  Elder  Barber's  church,  (the  Bottskill,)  August  IGlh 
and  17th,  1831,  which  adjourned  to  meet  at  Hartford,  Sep- 
tember 13th  and  14th,  1831,  when  the  Constitution  was 
adopted,  and  the  association  held  its  first  session.  Sei'cn 
churches  were  present  by  their  delegates  (23  in  all,)  among 
whom  were  the  following  ministers  : 

Edward  Bakber,  of  Bottskill,  witli  18()  baptized,  and  a  total  of  414. 
Barney  Allen,  of  1st  Fort  Ann,  with  18 

,  of  Fort  Anu  Village,  with  2 

George  Witherell,  of  Hartford,  with  79 
Nathaniel  Colver,  of  Ivin^sbury,  with  40 
Jonathan  Finch,  of  1st  Saratoga,  with  2 
Daniel  Tinkham, of  White  Creek, with  111 

In  all I,3S6 

The  distinctive  article  in  the  Constitution  of  this  new  body 
was  interpreted  by  the  following  resolution.  '■^  ResolvtcL, 
That  the  following  is  our  understanding  of  the  second  arti- 
cle of  our  Constitution:  '  No  church  which  refuses  to  fipply 
the  laws  of  Christ,  or  do  not  apply  them  for  the  entire  re- 
moval oi  speculative  Free-masonry  from  the  church,  by  hold- 
ing their  members  who  are  Masons,  to  leave  it  as  a  moral 
evil,  and  confess  their  wrong  according  to  the  requirement 
of  the  gospel  for  having  participated  in  that  evil,  shall  have 
a  seat  in  this  association.'  " 

This  body  continued  for  four  years,  embracing  at  its  larg- 
est size,  but  9  churches,  8  ministers,  and  1,429  members  in 
August,  1833  ;  although  in  1834,  the  total  of  members  report- 
ed in  all  the  churches,  was  1,446 — ^the  unusual  number  of  135 
having  been  added  to  Elder  Barber's  church  that  season. 

Meanwhile,  the  hard  feelings  and  animosities  that  had  so 
long  existed  in  tlie  minds  of  some,  had  softened  down  into  a 
mellower  state  of  Christian  regard,  so  that  in  the  year  1834, 


do. 

do. 

124, 

do. 

do. 

90. 

do. 

.      do. 

2G6. 

do. 

do. 

150. 

do. 

do. 

36. 

do. 

do. 

247. 

CHAP.    VIiI.]  OTHER  ASSOCIATIONS.  253 

efforts  were  made  to  effect  a  union  of  all  the  churches  in  the 
county  as  far  as  might  be  convenient,  in  one  body  of  affilia- 
ted churches,  which  end  was  secured  at  the  annual  meeting 
of  the  Washington  Association  at  Hartford,  June  10th  and 
llth,  1835.  'I'he  two  bodies  met  in  convention  and  agreed 
upon  a  constitution,  (which  had  been  previously  submitted  to 
the  several  churches  by  the  lovers  of  peace,)  and  finally  sev' 
enteeii  churches  united  in  a  New  Body  styled  the  "  Wash- 
ington Union  Association." 

The  foUov/ing  is  the  reading  of  the  sixth  article,  in  the 
Constitution  of  the  New  Body,  touching  the  matter  that  had 
kept  brethren  so  long  from  each  other.  "  Article  6,  Specula- 
tive Free-masonry  in  our  belief,  is  a  moral  evil  and  should 
be  treated  as  such ;  and  churches  ought  to  require  an  ac- 
knowledgment of  it  from  their  members,  who  are,  or  have 
been  Masons."* 

Thus  was  formed  the  association,  whose  name  stands  at 
the  head  of  this  article,  and  whose  existence  has  been  pros- 
perous for  the  most  part,  ever  since,  now  nearly  twenty 
years.  At  the' session  of  1835,  as  stated  above,  17  church- 
es entered  the  union,  havhig  12  ordained  ministers  and  2 
licentiates,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of  3,643  in  all  the 
churches.  This  has  been  an  efficient  body,  favored  often 
with  revivals  among  its  churches,  and  doing  liberally  for  the 
general  cause  of  benevolence  in  the  world,  as  well  as  among 
the  needy  in  their  own  borders.  The  statistical  Table  of 
this,  and  the  antecedent  bodies  will  show  at  one  view  the 
truth  of  these  statements.  In  1843  there  were  24  churches 
in  the  union,  having  20  ministers,  and  3,918  members,  of 
whom  the  unusual  number  of  1,006  had  been  baptized  during 
the  year  previous.! 

It  will  also  be  seen,  that  their  contributions  for  various 
objects  of  benevolence  are  in  some  proportion  to  their  num- 
bers and  blessings  from  the  Great  Head  of  the  churches, 
under  whose  fostering  smile  they  have  reached  the  measure 
of  prosperity  they  have  enjoyed  in  recent  years.     Long  may 

•  See  Minutes  of  Washington  Union  Association  of  1835,  page  11. 

t  At  the  recent  session  of  tliis  Body,  held  with  the  Salem  Baptist  Church  at 
Shusban,  May  31,  and  June  1st  and  2d,  ISSH,  there  were  reported  23  churches,  21 
ministers,  2  licentiates,  1S6  baptized ;  T5  added  by  letter ;  137  dismissed ;  53  ex- 
cluded ;  3G  died,  and  a  total  of  3,235. 

12 


254  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [1832-52 

the  Washington  union  of  Baptist  churches  continue  to  enjoy 
God's  favor,  and  to  dispense  the  benefits  of  his  grace  to  the 
destitute,  at  home  and  abroad,  according  to  their  ability  to 
do  good  to  all  men.  The  compiler  of  this  work  was,  for 
five  years  pastor  of  one  of  the  churches  in  this  body,  and 
has  attended  its  annual  gatherings  often,  and  hence  his  read- 
ers will  pardon  his  partiahty  in  extending  this  notice  to  such 
greater  length  than  he  has  given  toother  bodies,  having  even 
more  of  the  Shaftsbury  churches  in  them. 


V.     STEPHENTOVVN  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 

The  Stephentown,  is  the  youngest  daughter  of  this  Old 
Mother  of  Associations.  Its  constituent  churches  were  all 
once  members  of  the  Shaftsbury  body,  or  off-shoots  from 
those  churches.  Of  the  fifteen  churches  that  organized  into 
this  new  body,  the  Austerlitz,  Berlin,  I  Canaan,  2  Canaan, 
Chatham,  Cheshire,  Egremont,  Hancock,  East  Hillsdale,  1 
Nassau,  2  Nassau,  and  Stephentown  churches,  had  been 
numbered  in  the  older  body,  and  most  of  them  for  many 
years.  Of  the  remaining  three  constituent  churches,  as  near 
as  we  can  ascertain,  concerning  them,  the  Grafton,  Peters- 
burgh  and  First  Sandlake  were  colonies  from  the  Berlin, 
and  of  course  had  been  connected  through  tlieir  mother 
church,  with  the  same  body,  if  any  where.  The  territory 
occupied  by  these  churches  was  at  a  distance  from  the  main 
body,  stretching  some  forty  or  fifty  miles  to  the  South  from 
the  old  centre,  and  lying  in  those  parts  of  Rensselaer  and 
Columbia  counties,  back  from  the  Hudson  Eiver.  Hence 
the  brethren  of  these  churches  chose  to  organize  into  a  new 
body,  which  could  assemble  with  greater  convenience  by 
themselves,  but  with  perfect  good  feeling  towards  the  older 
body,  as  the  action  respecting  it,  recorded  on  pages  204-'o 
of  this  work,  testifies. 

The  convention  that  organised  it  met  at  Stephentown,  N.  Y., 
May  Isf,  1832,  being  composed  of  about  thii*ty  delegates,  of 
whom  six  were  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  representing 
fourteen  churches.  The  venerable  Hull  was  moderator  of 
this  meeting,  as  he  was  preacher  of  the  introductory  sermon 
at  the  first  anniversary,  in  June  following.     He  was  now  in 


CHAP.  VIII.]  OTHER  ASSOCIATIONS.  265 

bis  76th  year,  and  ere  the  second  session  occurred,  he 
had  gone  up  to  join  the  great  Association  above.  But  his 
presence  and  counsel  were  useful  in  arranging  the  order  of 
this  new  body.  Its  constitution  and  rules  of  order  were  those 
of  the  Bottskill  Association,  with  some  modifications,  as  the 
latter  was  derived  mainly  from  the  old  Shaftsbury,  with 
some  variation.  It  appears  that  this  new  Association  also 
took  ground  against  the  institution  of  Free-Masonry,  as  the 
following  resolution  of  the  convention  declares.  "Jiesolvedf 
(as  a  substitute  for  the  2d  article  of  the  Bottskill  constitution, 
which  was  rejected)  That  in  our  opinion.  Speculative  Free' 
Masonry  is  an  institution  whose  obligations  and  tendency 
are  hostile  to  Christianity,  and  we  advise  the  churches  to 
have  no  fellowship  or  connexion  with  it,  and  that  they  require 
their  masonic  brethren  to  absolve  themselves  from  all  allegi- 
ance to  it,  and  give  satisfactory  evidence  to  the  churches." 

This  action  merely  changed  the  testimony  of  the  body 
against  the  institution,  from  an  article  of  the  constitution, 
(as  in  the  Bottskill  organization)  to  a  resolution  expressive 
of  the  deliberate  opinion  of  the  body  on  this  exciting  subject. 
We  do  not  learn  that  this  policy  was  altered  in  the  subse- 
quent history  of  the  Association.  But  in  1839,  they  revised 
their  constitution,  making  some  alteration  of  its  details  of 
business. 

At  the  present  time  this  body  is  somewhat  weakened  by 
the  departure  of  some  of  its  churches  to  other  bodies,  where 
they  can  be  more  conveniently  connected.  In  1852  they 
reported  13  churches,  15  ordained  ministers,  18  baptised, 
and  a  total  of  1,141  in  all  the  churches.  The  Berlin,  East 
Hillsdale,  and  Stephentown  churches  are  the  largest  and 
strongest  in  the  body,  having  each  from  155  to  170  mem- 
bers in  standing.  The  tabular  view  below  will  show  the 
general  condition  of  the  Association  from  the  beginning, 
and  the  spirit  of  benevolence  that  has  been  cultivated  in  the 
churches  of  this  body,  for  the  diffusion  of  the  gospel  in  the 
world. 

May  the  churches  of  the  Stephentown  Association  share 
again  in  the  outpourings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  as  in  the  days 
of  the  Fathers,  and  renew  their  usefulness  in  tiieir  interest- 
ing field  of  labor,  soon  to  become  the  scene  of  more  busi- 
ness, and  the  home  of  a  denser  population,  in  consequence 
of  the  railroad  facilities  multiplying  in  their  borders. 


256 


SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION. 


[1805-26 


«  H 
w  o 

00»OO5>—  C0£-.— lTj<aJ05Ttlc35(Mi-lOi-lCOi-IUS«0 
CO<»r-(CO<-iJ:-OiC2Tt<-L—  OCOi-^«0-5J<0— >'— lO-"* 

.-l(;£it-lr-(HCO'<*im<^>CO!NlO>Ot-CJC-0— 'TjfOSO 
c3>tD000>r-i<»»r5T)<OOi-iC0CMTii.-<O-^Tt't0t-< 
Q^                            rt                            f-lCSIi-lC--IC)rt(-lr-(rtl-l»^l-« 

Total 
No. 

(MOcooo>nco>^i-HCviO'fflTfi:Tioa)i-Hoco.— icovoo 
tji  CO  o  00  o  CO  -*  'C  CD  i-  ■*  oi  Tt*  IT-  r-  CO  ci  i^  c-t  TO  -fi  lO 

.—   —   .-H   .-1   Cl   Ol   C-l   l>(   04  <M  Ol   IM   CO  CO   CO   CO   (TO   ^O   CO   CO   CO   CO 

Died 

1     lOSIOO'OCiOiOCCOtOCOCOCOCOiOlOC-lCO'MCS 
|r-c^            f-l    —    I— i(Mt!<CO^.-i<M<NC'J'MOIC1-^-<1<COCO 

Exol'd 

1     r~   CO    05   GO    0»    CO    Tl<    11    lO    Tt<    Ci   CO   00    OJ    to    C-l    (M    0-1    CiS    CO    i-H 

1   (Mo^(Hs^coeO(McocoTi<cOTjiTj<Tt<'<iiTt<>OTiiTi<cD-* 

DiSMD 

1    .-i(MC0  05COOTti^J:-COO£-u3«5Tt(lOCDJ:-OSC->00 

3Y  LET. 

1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1     |cor-io-t>oojoot--#o-*-* 
*                                                   — 

Bapt'd 

<£)0  0-)eOCJ<a300-HCOT*<COCOO^iO(M330005COOO 
f-   "M    — .   O)   r-   Ol   (M   — .   CI   1-  Ol   —   Ol                          p-1   C-l   — 

No.MlN 

CJ5i-iC0(M-+C0i0Tt<T*<O-C-T*<iOCD<0OC00000t-0i00 

.N  O.  CH. 

-:r    lO    !13   O  O   (M   <^4  ro   CO   CO   CO   TT   .'>   T»<   lO   lO   <£)  l:~  00  00   C3   03 
— •   — 1  fH   0>  CM  !M   (J4  C-1  CJ  <M  (M   OJ   0^)   nj  (M  0:1  <N  ©)  0-4  (M  (M  C5 

W 
O 

Ellas  Lee, 
E.  Lee, 
E.  Barber, 
W.  Stillwell, 
E.  Barber, 
S.  Rogers, 
E.Smith, 
E.  Smith, 
E.  Smith, 
E.  Smith, 
E  Smith, 
J.  W.  Clark, 
S.  M   Plumb, 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
S.  M.  Plumb 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
G.  Witherell, 
G.  Witherell. 

Pekacuee.         Modeeatoe. 

E.  Barl)er, 
A.  Brown, 

E.  Lee, 
A.  Brown, 
E.  L>  e. 
E.  Barber, 
L  Beals, 
I.  Beals, 
A.  Brown, 
E.  Barber, 
E.  Barber, 
C.  H.  Swain, 
E.  Barber, 
J.  Cornell, 
E.  Harrington, 
J.  Finch, 
W.  McCuller, 
E.  Barber, 
C.  H.  Swain, 
E.  Harrington, 
A.  Seamans. 

E.  Lee, 
J.  Finch, 
E.  Barber, 
.J.  Nichols, 
C.  H.  Swain, 
A.  Seamans, 
r.  Beals, 
E.  Barber, 

5.  Rogers, 
I.  Beals, 
J.  Fmch, 

C.  H.  Swain, 
E  Lee, 
E.  Barber, 

E.  Lee, 

A.  Seamans, 

F.  Wayland, 
E.  Barber, 
U.  Griswold, 

6.  Witherell, 
E.  Harrington, 
S  M.  Plumb, 

o 
-J 

Pi 

Bottskill, 

Saratoga, 

Hartford, 

Broad  albin, 

2d  Galway, 

Bottskill, 

Providence, 

Saratoga   Springs, 

Kingsbury, 

Had  ley, 

Hart'd  &  Kingsb'y, 

Stillwater, 

2d  Galway, 

Ballston  Spa, 

Edinburgh, 

Eartford, 

Bottskill, 

Fort  Ann, 

1  Greenfield, 

Broad  albin, 

Saratoga  Springs, 

Salem, 

'5g^ggo-.o)cOTt(>o«ot-aoo50^<Mco-#io<D 

2 S ^^S'^HH^^,?,?.^  ^  °°  ^' ^  ^' ^  ^' ^  ^ 

CHAP.  VIII.] 


STATISTICS. 


^7 


oor-c^i:-eoct<Mio-^co,-i05-*C{>0'-iooi'*<M— '■'I'coioTOos 

-<"„*■         (m'-^-^   cf         ™  -^".-rr-r^sf  ©f  ^"•*'eo■~ 

OOTJ^CCOOllO^O«000=OTJ^C10J0110000lO-J^^050C■l■«l<aOt~■* 
— <eO—   (M<M  —  00i000CCTl<OTt<<M00C0C0lM0i<DiO>O'->'3<C0«0 

u3a?cococ>oociC'iCir-ccir-ioc»cx)  —  ooc-o-^oociC-ico^H 

^    CJ    ->!    Oi    —    —    —    CI    'M  O    CI    '^1    C^J    C-l    Tl    CO    CO    CO    CO    CO    CO    CO    (N    CO    CO    CO 

-^c<i— <<»—  c^—  c-ico"^'Mc-i?t(>^co-^io-^cocoocococ*5-»^Tr 

OiO  —  OOuOlT-CCCDCJCOcOCJQOCOt-'TO-XiCOOiOJil-OOC-JCO-* 
(NOT^'-i          ,-iCO— <!X5cOTjicOtr-«OTj<cO>OOsOlOCOIMC^CO'>*'iO 

iOC-1    CaiOOS.-iCOmi-COTliOVOaOCOli^^lr-C-l.—   Ol-E-ir-'OClCD 
t:--*-*iOcooocsC550coi:-OiOi:-Ti<'<*(N  —  oot*<ciCjO-^cOi-i 

Xi—   OlTfOscOOX: <MOOCX)C000£-Cj=l:-<MC000C00205i0O 

•^COCJiO-^CDtOOOOOlC— t^-^i-iiOO-^C^OiOOOiCii-HOO 

iOcoooscoc20coa5.-ccocooc(M^oO'-icOTi(t-co«OTj<-.j<oo 
—  —  CI.— 'lO'^>^-^-|-HCtcococox:-f-H                       .— ICOC1        1 

Oca.-i-*C)0t.  T-«CiC-OC5>-<—    ClTi-ClOC^COOCOCOOClt- 
1   _ ^   ^   -<   —  —    —   — <   CI   C>   CI   CI  TJ    CI   CI   C)   C3   CJ   CI   CI   CO   CI   1 

cicocjcir— £-'^'^oc:C50Cicooot-cjococac5cooou;tOi 

M  (N   O^  CI  (N  ^  ^  —   01   (M  — 1  "-1  OJ   O'  C-!   CI  CI  0»  CJ  CI  CJ  C^  CJ  CI  CJ   CJ   1 

lii.  Smith, 

E.  Smith, 

J.  A.  Waterbmy, 

T.  J'owell, 

J.  Fletcher, 

T  Powell, 

J.  Fletcher, 

T.  Powell, 

r.  Powell, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.Goadby, 

J.Goadby, 

I.  Goadby, 

VI.  Eastwood, 

f.  Goadby, 

1.  Goadby, 

L.  Richards, 

L.  Richards, 

Z.  Richards, 

Keach  <fe  Chadsey, 

Smith  A  Philips, 

Chadsey  k  Smith, 

Hodge  k  Green. 

J.  Finch, 
A.  Seamans, 
F,  Way  land, 
W.  Groom, 
J.  Hairis, 
J.  Fletcher, 
A.  Seamans, 
J.  Harris, 
J.  Harris, 
I.  Wescott, 
I.  Wescott, 
I.  Wescoft, 
I.  Wescott, 
J.  Fletcher, 
N.  Fox, 
N.Fox, 
N.  Fox, 
F.  S.  Parke, 
J.  Fletcher, 
J.  Goadby, 
J.  Goadby, 
D.  Corwin, 
I.  Westott, 
I.  Westcott, 
J.  M.  Harris, 
A.  H.  Stowell. 

yjpqH(^0^^-^p.^Bajfc-fa5^0S^cB^g^2fa[ 
<j  a  ^  fn'  ^  03  ^  i-i  r/i  d  hh"  W  '-^  fei  ^  1^  >-•  Q  ^  d  d  !2i  -^  ^-  d  « 

Kingsbury, 

Milton, 

Burnt  Hills, 

Stillwater, 

Edinburgh, 

Broadalbin, 

■2d  Galway, 

1   Green  lield, 

Milton, 

Ballston  Spa, 

Providence, 

Halfmoon, 

Stillwater, 

Broadalbin, 

Burnt  Hills, 

2d  Galway, 

Amsterdam, 

Ballston  Spa, 

Clifton  Park, 

Stillwater  Village, 

1  Galway, 

Gloversville, 

Burnt  Hills, 

Northville, 

1  Stillwater, 

Broadalbin. 

c-cocno  —  c^cO'tllO^Dl^-coalO■-llNco-*lC<a^I:-coa>0— IC5 
c^dcic»5cocooococococococoTj<Tj<T)<TtiTi<-*-<*<'+i-^-rj<K5iOin 

»CO0000Q00OCOCO00GOC0000000CO00000000003000S00D0000 

258 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 


[1816-37 


Total. 

OOJr-C-1'*0.*OTi<-*CO'J<1000MMCOi-H-^rJ<\OrJ4 
30Oi0O£-O'-<M<00OJ^-©<OJ:-Jr--t--<MTt<OC0-I:-r- 

Bap. 

Chs. 

•cocscooooit-osooosir-cooii,—  t0icc-)t~0-rco 
•  r-C-10000i-HCXl-*OC00200X:-I^-(M«DC^O.-iOJ:- 

Lewis  Leonard. 
C.  G.  Sommers. 
A.  Maclay. 
Avery  Briggg. 
C.  G.  Sommers. 
Howard  Malcom. 
Garret  Conrey. 
Howard  Malcom. 
Spencer  H.  Cone. 
Thomas  Stokes. 
Thomas  Stokes. 
Thomas  Stokes. 
T.  Stokes,  C.  G.  Sommers. 
T.  Stokes,  C.  G.  Sommers. 
T.  Stokes,  Wm.  J.  Miller. 
Robert  F.  Winslow, 
Robert  F.  Winslow, 
Robert  F.  Winslow, 
Robert  F.  Winslow, 
Robert  F.  Winslow, 
Robert  F.  Winslow, 
John  West. 

o 
Is 

o 

55                   aj   o;   oi   ai   a   o   <i3   d   q5   d   aj  «■   oj 

3  fc^  1 1  s  w  g  1  g  H  a  w  w  a  w  w  a  td  w  a  a  w 

a'^T^  --i  dr^'T^'Ti'i^  0  s  s  a  a  a  a  c  c  s  a  o  a 
o    •<u'3oc3a^a>»&.&(Ci-o-&^ci-p-.o.a.&,a.eua. 

CS 

P-. 

A.  Machxy. 
John  Williams. 
Lewis  Leonard. 
John  Stanford. 
John  Williams. 
Charles  G.  Sommers 
Lewis  Leonard. 
C.  G.  Sommers. 

A.  Maclay. 
Howard  Malcom. 

C.  G.  Sommers.        ^ 
Samuel  Eastman. 
J.  H.  Brouner. 
E.  Loomis. 
Aaron  Perkins. 

B.  T.  Welch. 
S.  H.  Cone. 

B.  M.  Hill. 

C.  G.  Sommers. 
Wm.  R.  Williams. 
B.  T.  Welch. 

•J.  W.  Green. 

a3 
o 

S 

Poughkeepsie. 

Troy. 

Mulberry  st..  New  York. 

Mount  Pleasant. 

Albany. 

Hudson. 

Oliver  st..  New  York. 

Poughkeepsie. 

Tioy. 

Mount  Pleasant. 

Albany. 

Catskill. 

Hudson. 

Brooklyn. 

Troy. 

Poughkeepsie. 

Albany. 

Oliver  st.,  New  Yoi'k. 

Kingston. 

Schenectady. 

Coxsackie. 

Mount  Pleasant. 

-^  r-(   r— 1  —   C^   ©J   Cl   C-l   C-3   O*   (^   C-3   <M   OJ   CO   CO  CO   CO  CO   CO  CO   CO 

aooooocooooooooiooooooooooaiaJoooocoooooQOoo 

CHAP.  VIII.] 


BTATISTICS. 


259 


!Z5 

O 

i-i 

H 
< 

o 

GQ 

CO 

>— ( 

^    n 
H    w 

!>   9 

•—I   > 

«  B    . 
^    I  1 

^  OD  -J 

£  § 

,      > 
C&i    o 

O    « 

W    w 
^^    S 

pq   2 


Eh 

< 
O 

t— I 

O 
H 

02 

K 


lOC500(M>OOCO-<>-"OCCi«01r-03tO  -<— 

o-iioocNt-utia3iococo-<co.-i05  —  CO 

Toatl 

--OC^iOOSloi:—  O^—,—  CJiOT^lOOCOOi 

.-iOCi.-<CfOC002C0lO00C0.-iMrt-rH 

Bap. 

t-cootiTi<»ocoaD(MOTtHoo5'M-*eio 

C-COCO«Or-(OOt-OCO-<i<OOT}<lOrtCO(M 

r-<              -^    (X 

Chs. 

COCOCOOtJioOi— i-rJ<csOt— 110100002 

Tj<-<j<Ti<Ti<Ti<Tj<iovnocDcoococococ<) 

a) 

*"o     .  o        u     .     .   ,• 

agfe^°^    S^-^^     . 

St. 

ecker. 
ecker. 
Cook, 
ecker. 

ecker,  J.  B.  Col 
t,  J.  H.  Towns 
3t,  E.  S.  Whitn 
lamy,  David  A 
ecker. 

ridge,  E.  Towns 
idge,  L.  Pai'me 
ridge,  L.  Parme 
oughs,  E.  F.  PI 
wes,  E.  F.  Piatt 
tves,  J.  M.  Hope 

6 

a5   3J  oj                       _.                   03 
and               .     --d               •  -H" 

o 

cer  H.  Co 
cer  H.  Co 
cer  H.  Co 
Welch. 
Welch, 
a  Tucker 
Benedict 
d  Howar 
Hodge. 
Brouner. 
Sommers 
W.  Ever 
Baldwin. 
.  Moore, 
urch. 
Beecher. 

r3 

S 

II 1,^ ^'  1  § -s ^ w cJ  s d ^. 6 fe 

'7}  ^  en  CQ  eq  cd  o  i-:i  i-5*  i-i  d  ^  d  ^  >4  J 

1 

B.  T.  Welch. 
S.H.  Cone. 
Silas  Ilsley. 
Rufus  Babcock,  jr, 
Wm.  W.  Everts. 
E.  E.  L.  Taylor. 
Elisha  Tucker. 
Leroy  Church. 

J.  L.  Hodge. 
J.  H.  Walden. 
Afred  Bennet. 
A.  P.  Mason. 
S.  Remington. 
R.  Jeffery. 

C.  W.  Hewes. 
Leroy  Church. 

^^■^Ai  -i 

^  a  ca    .  s 

QJ 

Brooklyt 
First  chi 
Pearl  st., 
Catskill. 
Poughke 
Sand  La 
Hudson. 
Pierrepo 
South  ch 
Twelfth  s 
Laight  st 
North  ch 
Norfolk  s 
Lausingb 
Pittstowi 
Cohoes. 

C3 

OOClO^ClCO'l'lOOJr-OOCTiO— 'O^M 

?5C0-*->9<-^-#T)<-r)<rj<Ti<Tj<'^O>0l0l0 

>^ 

aaoooococooocooooooooooooooooooo 

"3     S 


H     H 


2G0 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 


[1827-52 


S  w 


OlOOOOOOi— lOOcOCsC^OOr—  lOO^^-^OC-li:— OJ  — '"^ 
f/*  ,_r  i-i   — .   .-I 


Total. 


•^   CO 

CO  o 


o  0-)  ci  CO  O  ~'  o  ^  1.-  i:-  CO  O  oi  ro  M  Tt<  -.ji  o  tc  1-  CO  Oi 


Died. 


Excl'd. 


Dism'd. 


By: 


•—  i-iCit-i-iO.-<O05O<ar050IO«-iO(NC-><Mt-0a0Ci— lOi 
i— *   -^  CO    -rf-^C-JC-lC^^^COC-^C-^COI^t—  "ZC    coco   CD   ^D  »fi   cr>  t^   C5 


•<^(35^-X)Cic:iCjto<£>iO"^iO'— 'oocit'COoococoiCGoc^ 
—     .._.-..  .,  „,  — ,  —  .-<^  r^^  CO  o3  tn  CM  rH  so  CO  o  CO  no  00  o 

--  —1  CI  .-4 


Bap'zu. 


iTj<C2CO£-i-.THoir-i^CO!MC0  03' 


Mines. 


Chs's. 


c  a 
o  o 


6C  be 


.  '^  S  3  Ci-ja 

•     .   oi   rt  j-K     .     •     . 

pq  gj  H  Cij  ^  d  d  h,- 


3j  '^_2         cD'j^oiS     .     ^ojSai^ 


-^  c 


!=    S 


a  13 . 


Hh'  !>  >  w  >;  P- 1>'  >-"  e4  h  !>  I>  ^ 


EhOO 


m 


02 


'5.d>    ■  .^.  ^  -^ 


P  03  t^  ^.  tS  h,-  Ph  _ 

d  d  —•  ^  >^  ^j  ci  ^• 


■3  -^ 


2Sa;gS.£^gSi-4'u 
"2  ^  ^3  's  '^  '^'3  -2    .  .3  . 


.2 


;M>-;i-^i-ii-ii-3-edKdcqa>4  0 


-  a 


d  H  a  ^ 


o 
!5 


3  "o  S"-S 


:'3  .,-  ?".= 


^■=  >^i 


..•I 


M  ^  CO  <*  :fj  \>  C^  ^ 

a  li;  bj  1-^  la  i-,"  6  >^' 


C5  >^'  '^'  a  ;q 


ri2    .  a 

r  p    a;   <s 
I   5    a   t< 


Pi 


ISkss'ns 


-  a  ohS 

'a    eS  CO    03' 

1  -^"S  cs:S 
;  a  3.£i  j. 

.    c3    O    O)  ^O 
<  CW  ry)  ^  ^ 


o  tA^  a 
^  o  cs  c 

2    c3    ;£  ;r3 

rt  ^  -s  "^r 


a      _  ^    rn"  cf  w 

^3     -g^a  -       g        -a 

H  h^  73  T;  P_  ca  tS  Ed  —  H  t5  r/}  a  a 


.2  3 


ca-2-« 


CHAP,  viri.] 


STATISTICS. 


261 


W 

CO 

< 

J 
t— (    . 

S§ 

O^ 
gS 

U^  H-l 

<5  li- 
fe-^ 

Mg 
EhO 

'■    t— I 

o 

o 

H 
cc 


Monies 

FOE 

Benev'e. 

C)  IT-  T}<   Tjl   O  Oi  C5  CJ 
,_,OOQOC»OOOOCO 

19  85 

61  85 

64  89 

305  13 

COr-lCOTi<lOtO^H-H 

•<1^030i^•OCOCOOO 

CN00<MCOC£-lO-.*>O 
OJtOSSOOuOOCO-fli 
■>*ICOiO-<titD-^-*Tj' 

Tot  At. 

t-Hf-iOOOascOI:- 
c-1^  co_  co_  c<3  cs_  iq_  cD^  io_ 

CO  O  03  o 
CO  00  01  -^ 
03_  co_^  T)<_  •*_ 

cooomocooco 

■r*<  ^  O  C-l  03  00  C-J  00 
«0  -"it  o>  O  O   O  00_iO 

irf  of  (n"  co"  of  co"  ci"  <N 

Died. 

CO  05  -^  lO  «0  CO 

—    O   i-H 

(MOCDOOOiOOO-* 
(M0)03— iCOCOCOTf 

Excl'd. 

r-IJ^-  ■*   W  00  00 

— '    "-H    -H    .-H    «0    CO 

CO  lO  CO 

■^  CO  — 

^^COOlOCO-HTi<r-» 

co-*-*coTi<coiovn 

Dism'd. 

CO  t-  OO  00  C2  lO 

<M  <N  CI  (M  1-  lO 

ir-  O  ■* 
^  lO  ■* 

r-<--COC-C0051~--* 

t-oiot-^Dooor- 

Br  LET. 

O    00    i—    Oi    Tj<    TJI 

■H  ,-1  — 1  1-1  W  CO 

lO  r-  t- 

(M  C-»  CO 

OOliOiOi-HC^rfd 
1:-C0t1<0C£-O£-i— 1 

Bapt'd. 

CO   rjl   T*<   Tt<   T*<   Ti<   CO 

o  .-1  £-  00  00  CO  eo 

—1                        CO 

00  CO  00  .-c 
CO  >0  50  — 

c><orOf-<J:-o^oo-* 
CO-<J<  —  t-OiM<£-00 
(M          CO  CO          — '          i-i 

Min'rs. 

£-oo^:-oooo«^I^- 

to  £-  00   ■* 

C.f  O  — 1  0-1  ■*  i-  —  c 

Chh's. 

OOOOOOOiOO^rtCO 

£-  00  05  £- 

.-1  r-i  iM  CI  (M  iM  Ol  d 

w 

BS 

o 

G.  Witherell, 

do 

do 

do 
S.  C.  Dillaway, 
H.  F.  Baldwin, 
Norman  Fox, 
do 

G.  Witherell, 
James  Telft, 
N.  Colver, 
G.  Witherell, 

E.  D.  Culver, 
Norman  Fox, 
H.  F.   Baldwin, 
H.  F.  Baldwin, 
D.  Harrington, 
B.  F.  Garfield, 
J.  0.  Mason, 
J.  0.  Mason, 

Moderator. 

C.  H.  Swain, 
S.  C.  Dillaway, 
L.  Antlrus, 
C.  11.  Swain, 
B.  Carpenter, 
S.  C.  Dillaw.ny, 
A.  Wait, 
H.  F.  Baldwin, 

D.  Tinkham, 
N.  Colver, 
G.  Witherell, 
B  Allen, 

N.  Fox, 
N.  Colver, 
D.  Tinkham, 

D.  Tinkham, 
N.  Colver, 
Wm.  Arthur, 

E.  D.  Culver, 
D.  Tinkham. 

B! 

a 
d 

W.  McCuller, 
S.  Call, 

S.  C.  Dillaway, 
C.  H.Swain, 
G.  Witherell, 
B.  Carpenter, 
A.  Wait, 
H.  F.  Baldwin, 

E.  Barber, 
D.  Tinkham, 
B.  Allen, 
D.  Bernard, 

N.  Fox. 

D.  Tinkham, 

A.  Stearns, 
R.  Bryant, 
P.  D.  Gillett, 
H.  F.  Baldwin, 
Wm.  Arthur, 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

Place. 

Adamsville, 

Hebron, 

Hartford, 

Salem, 

Granville, 

Hampton, 

Hebron, 

Adamsville, 

Hartford,* 
Kingsbury, 
Saratoga, 
White  Creek, 

Hartford, 
Bottskill, 
Fort  Edward, 
Adamsville, 
White  Creek, 
Ft.  Ann  Village 
Granville, 
Kingsbury, 

•< 

t-  OO    Cri   O   ri    C4    CO    ^ 
(M  CI  OJ  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO 
00              oc 

.-1   Ol  CO   ^ 
CO  CO  CO  C3 
OO 

lO5O£-00CJC5i-((M 
COCOCOCOCO^^^ 
OO                                 00 

262 


SHAFTSBDRY    ASSOCIATION. 


[8143-53 


<MO«OOt-<M-^OiO  — 

w      ." 

r-ccDOOOiClTl<<:DOOi 

2    63    > 

S5    O    " 
O    tT    Z 

3     eq 

CO(»-*-XltO>-i-*OOCO 

—  cocoincooo  —  cii— iTjf  -»— 

«&       _-  ^"  ^"  ^"  ^"  _r  CO  co" 

OOGO-^O'— *^t-vOTtii-HO 

Total. 

i-(iOlOIMOO.-iTi<OOOCO 

05  CD  Tt<  Tfi   C->_  i:-^  C:_  £-^  OO   IM_  0)_ 

co'  '^t^  cc"  o'?^  cc^  c-f  ">'  o-i  'M  CO  CO 

Died. 

to  CO  O  I—  r-  CJ  I-i  "3<  ir-  -^  ^ 

c-i  CO  -+  0-J  CO  CO  CO  c<  CO  >o  CO 

Excl'd. 

r-i^  —  ooc;'350t-Ti<05CO 

rltc0O-^l0-*-*C0C0l0>0 

~co"--  (M  --I  £-  oo  O  CO  Jr-  c-  Ir- 

Dism'd. 

aiinr-^•^co•rt*o>  —  aoico 

_^0,    ^             _             «             _lr-, 

r-1    00    CO    CO   r-1  i—    M  C}    05   i-l    >0 

Br  LET. 

Ti<CTii:-05£-t--t-0iiooi:- 

T— 1                                                                                                    '— ' 

tDOiracocooo>o«ot-to«o 

Bapt'd. 

OC^TjtCOOOOOOOtOtOOO 
OrH           r-l            rHr-H            (MC^i-H 

Min'ks. 

ocx»r-o^^-«y3u^j^-aiOi»— ' 

(M—i—    (N<Mr-i^,-l  —   .— IC) 

Chh's. 

C0t1<t*<-^0IC<1O-<IM0IC0 

C^   IM   C-l   03  IM   Ol  C*  rr)   <M  C-1   <M 

bb 

-■'in 

o         ^        •-■ 

1)       bxi      a 

-   -   -         T"      -r    -  a 

1.) 
O 

Q  PL|  Qh  tS  ^  P^  flH     Js^fi<^ 

i-iijii4coc»i-4:a^>^do 

p5 

s 

a*  a  B*  S  a  S  a  o"  c  a  c 

§OO§O^=5j0OoC 

g 

Q 
1 

"^  d  d  '^  d  '^  d  S  d  o  m 

Q  1^  1^  Q  i-i  ^  i-j'  Q  >-:;  ^  ►-i 

^•-'3" 

>>  -     9.  ^ 

« 

.  c4    a-          °    O 

ta 

^  T3  -  -M-  a  ^  o  ■«-  c  a 

^  2  g;  2:3Sa  2  3  i| 
p^a^a^d^a^.pqw 

<  ^  -ai  ^  Q  O)  ^  ^  ^'  ^  P^" 

eij               o 

Ph 

Q 

coTiiioor-cDOiO—io^oti 

CO                                             00 

■< 

:;:      CI 
o      a 

p    'a 


E-l         tH 


CHAP.  VIII.] 


STATISTICS. 


363 


12; 

o 

I— ( 

H 

< 
I— I 
O 

o 

m 
< 

H 

cc 
1—1 
H 
pu 

<5 

CQ 


O 
H 

;?; 

w 

o! 

W 

H 
CO 

K 
O 

o 

I— I 

P5 
O 
H 

in 


Monies 

FOR 

Benev't. 

lC100tOCCCiOOOCO.-iOOOCiC5t-lO>-I^?b^ 

Total 

i—OJiJJ'^'-iCi— lOiTfi-icOiMC^Ciir-'-.OJCTHCO-* 

Died      | 

OC3  00(MCiTj<COOClO-.  COClcOC-ieOOOCOrtCOCO 

Exo'd 

Dism'd 

By  let. 
Bapt'd 

<N  "*  CO  Tj<  03  lO  to  Ttl  (M  Tj<  (M  -1<  CJ  O)  0-1  CJ  <M  'Tt  oi          (M 

C3                        I-H                        ,— 1                                             CO                                             r^              ,—1 

Min'es 

OCO— .t-CCOC^OtDlOcO-^Jr-OOoJc-ICOf-CTio'      ' 

No.  CH, 

222222^  —  2S^i2'^'°'*^^"*'**^'=^ 

F.  S.  Parke, 
E.  Tucker. 
P.  Roberts,  jr. 
R.  S.  Waite; 
L  S.  Gifford, 
L  S.  Gifford, 
I.  S.  Gifford, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
H.  Spencer, 

D.  Foot, 

J.  LaGrange, 
I.  S.  Gifford, 

E.  B.  Crandall, 
J.W.  Starkweath'r, 
L.  Palmer, 

E.  B.  Crandall, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
L.  Selleck, 
L.  Palmer, 
S.  W.  Ambler, 
S.  W.  Ambler. 

o 

H 
< 

a 

n 
o 

J.  D.  Rogers, 
E.  Marshall,  jr. 
E.Tucker, 
H.  Ellis, 
L.  Covell, 
L.  Covell, 
H.Spencer,  , 
L  S.  Gifford, 
I.S.  Gitt'ord, 
N  N.  Wood, 
L  S.  Gifford, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
L  S.  Gifford, 
S.Jones, 
S.Jones, 
C.  G.  Gurr, 
W.  I.  Loomis, 
0.  H.  Capron, 
A.  Milne, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
W.  W.  Smith, 

pi 
w 
ts 
o 
< 

J.  Hull, 
J.  Leland, 
J.  D.  Rogers, 
A.  H.  Palmer, 

D.  Wright,* 
L.  Covell, 

I.  S.  Gifford, 
J.  D.  Rogers, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
J.  LaGrange, 
W.  I.  Loomis, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
E  Sandys, 
L  S.  Gifford, 

E.  Sweet, 
S.  Jones, 
L.  Palmer, 

E.  B.  Crandall, 
G.  S.  Stockwell, 
W.  Bowen, 
A.  Milne, 
*A  visiting  brother. 

o 

Stephentown, 

1  Canaan, 

Hancock, 

Chatham, 

Eiiremont, 

Berlin, 

North  Adams, 

1  Nassau, 

2  Canaan, 
Lebanon  Spri'gs, 
East  Hillsdale, 
Petersburgh, 
Stephentown, 

2  Nassau, 

Schodack, 

Berlin, 

Eoosick, 

East  Hillsdale, 

Chatham, 

Petersburgh, 

Stephentown, 

<MCO-#mcDI~-a)CaO— 'C-lCC^UOtCt-OOClO-^C-l 

ccooooooooa;aoocoooocoocoocooocooooo3Dooc» 

SiiS  No. 

i-IC-JCO'>a'>0'-S£-00050r-iO->OS-5j<iOCDJ:-COO»0~ 
rtr-ir-lt-trHr-lr-l,-l,-(r^»<W 

264  eiiAFTSBURy  association.        [conclusion. 

CONCLUSION. 


And  now  we  conclude  the  body  of  this  work,  which  re- 
fers to  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association, 
for  a  period  of  nearly  three-fourths  of  a  century.  "We  have 
added  a  brief  chapter,  to  give  a  general  view  of  the  circum- 
jacent bodies  that  have  been  formed  more  or  less  from  this 
Association,  and  furnished  Tabular  views  of  the  annual  meet- 
ings of  each  of  these  bodies,  taken  from  authentic  sources, 
which  will  show  the  strength  of  each,  in  churches,  ministers 
and  members,  at  every  period  of  their  progress  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  We  propose  in  the  appendix  that  follows,  to  give 
some  additional  items  of  interest,  that  will  help  to  illustrate 
the  goodness  of  God  to  his  Israel  in  this  sectien  of  the  land, 
and  call  out  the  gratitude  of  every  true  disciple  in  view  of 
tohat  God  has  wrought  in  the  up-building  of  so  many  church- 
es, and  the  formation  of  so  many  associations  in  this  field, 
where,  in  the  infancy  of  this  Association,  but  half  a  dozen 
churches  existed  in  a  "  vast  howling  wilderness,"  feeble  in 
strength,  few  in  membership,  and  scarcely  able  to  erect  even 
comfortable  log  meeting-houses  for  their  congregations  to 
worship  God  in. 

But  now,  after  the  lapse  of  seventy-three  years,  instead  of 
half  a  dozen  churches,  behold  as  many  associations  averag- 
ing fifteen  or  twenty  churches  in  each,  exerting  an  evangeli- 
cal influence  over  six  or  eight  counties ;  and  combining  a 
powerful  agency  with  other  kindred  bodies,  to  spread  the 
Gospel  in  its  purity  throughout  our  whole  land,  and  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth  !  There  now  exists  on  what  was  once 
the  territory  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  about  100  Bap- 
tist churches,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of  twelve  or 
fifteen  thousand  members.  And  although  the  Old  Mother 
is  weak  and  feeble,  in  churches,  ministers  and  members, 
compared  with  her  more  palmy  days,  she  can  boast  of  a  fine 
family  of  enterprising  daughters  settled  around  her;  and  a 
family  interest  that  gives  promise  of  perpetuating  to  their 
children  and  successors  in  these  churches,  the  inheritance 
God  has  put  into  the  possession  of  Baptists  in  this  re- 
gion, if  they  shall  prove  at  all  worthy  of  their  renowned  an- 
cestry. 


SEC.  I.]  APPENDIX.  265 


APPENDIX. 


In  completing  the  full  design  of  this  work,  the  compiler  has,  with 
much  labor,  prepared  aa  Appendix,  that  will  preserve  and  perpetuate 
ttie  knowledge  of  many  interesting  facts  respecting  the  churclies  and 
ministers  of  this  body,  which  could  only  be  saved  from  oblivion,  by 
grouping  them  together  in  classes  at  the  close  of  the  volume.  To 
render  it  more  easy  of  reference  we  shall  divide  this  part  of  this  work 
into  three  different  sections.  The  first  will  embrace  particular  sketch- 
es of  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  several  churches  that  are  now  in 
the  Shaftsbury  A.ssociation,  except  the  Rupert,  which  has  left  it,  since 
their  sketch  was  drawn  up  for  the  work.  Following  the  account  of 
these  seven  churches,  will  be  a  comprehensive  table  of  all  the  church- 
es, alphabetically  arranged,  that  have  ever  been  connected  for  any 
length  of  time  with  the  body.  In  the  second,  we  shall  present  bio- 
graphical sketches  of  some  18  or  20  of  the  older  and  more  distinguish- 
ed Fathers  in  the  ministry,  whose  labors  contributed  to  the  growth 
and  prosperity  of  the  association,  and  of  those  associations  that  were 
formed  from  this.  Following  these  sketches,  will  be  a  carefully  pre- 
pared tabular  view  of  all  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  from  the  first  to 
the  last,  whose  names  appear  on  the  Shaftsbury  minutes,  as  ever  hav- 
ing been  connected  with  the  cliurches  in  this  body.  This  title  will 
give,  the  names  of  ministers  in  alphabetical  order,  the  church  that 
each  served,  or  belonged  to  in  the  body,  the  year  his  name  first  appears 
on  the  minutes,  ;xnd  the  last  year  also,  with  tiie  number  of  years  he 
was  in  tlie  association  ;  and  what  became  of  him,  or  when  and  where 
he  died,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain  correctly.  In  the 
third  sitciion,  we  shall  present  a  series  of  tables,  that  will  exhibit  the 
statistics  ot  each  of  the  churches  ever  connected  iu  the  body  (witli 
some  of  the  brancli  churches  formed  from  these  original  churches)  with 
Pastors  names,  and  the  usual  statistics  from  year  to  year  as  printed  in 
the  oflicial  minutes  of  the  several  bodies  to  which  these  churches  have 
belonged,  to  the  year  1852.  Of  course  we  must  except  those  few 
churches  situated  at  a  distance  from  the  old  Ten-itory  once  possessed 
by  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  because  their  statistics  could  not  be 
attained.  But  all  the  churches  in  the  five  following  associations  that 
were  ever  connected  to  the  old  mother,  we  have  given,  viz  :  the  Sara- 
toga, Hudson  River,  Berkshire,  "Washington  Union,  and  the  Stephen- 
town.  It  is  hoped  the  labor  of  preparing  this  series  of  tables  will  be  ap- 
preciated by  some,  at  least,  of  the  readers  of  this  work,  and  give  them 
satisfaction  in  looking  over  the  statistics  of  the  several  churches. 


266  SHAFTSBTJRY   ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


SECTION  I. 


HISTORICAL    SKETCHES    OF   THE    PRESENT 
SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH  Ilf  BENNINGTON',  VERMONT. 

The  Jlrst  Baptist  church  in  Bennington,  was  recognised  April  11th, 
1827.  For  many  years  a  number  of  baptist  brethren  had  resided  iu 
the  north  and  west  portions  of  the  town ;  the  former  belonging  to 
the  first  Shaftsbury  church,  under  Elder  Mattison's  care  ;  and  the 
latter,  in  the  west  part  of  the  town,  belonging  to  the  church  in 
Hoosick,  N.  T. ;  then,  and  for  many  years,  under  the  pastoral  care 
of  Elder  I.  Keach.  In  the  east  part  of  the  town  there  had  never 
been  any  considerable  number  of  baptist  professors,  till  about  the 
period  above  named.  Among  the  earliest  settlers,  who  became  per- 
manent residents  of  Bennington  East  Village  and  vicinity,  then  fa- 
miliarly called  Algiers,  that  held  to  baptist  sentiments,  were  brethren 
Isaiah  Hendrix,  Enoch  Winslow,  long  a  deacon  of  this  church,  and 
Aaron  Grover.  Brother  Anthony  J.  Haswell,  an  older  half  brother  of 
our  Burman  missionary,  James  M.  Haswell,  had  long  resided  at  the 
centre  of  the  town,  but  there  seemed  to  be  no  call  in  Providence  for 
our  brethren  to  "  set  up  their  Banner  in  the  name  of  the  Lord"  till  the 
time  mentioned. 

The  few  brethren  who  had  found  themselves  thus  far  from  church 
privileges,  begau  to  meet  for  social  religious  worship,  and  were 
comforted  together  in  their  interviews.  Increasing  in  numbers,  and 
feeling  the  importance  of  regular  public  worship,  there  being  no 
house  of  worship  in  the  place,  they  obtained  ministerial  aid,  occa- 
sionally, from  surrounding  pastors  ;  and  finally  concluded  to  invite  an 
Ecclesiastical  council  to  advise  with  them,  and,  if  thought  best,  re- 
cognize them  as  a  church  in  gospel  order.  This  occurred  on  the  1 1th 
of  April,  1827,  as  stated  above,"  when  23  members  of  different  Bap- 
tist churches,  with  nine  persons  baptised  on  the  occasion,  were  organ- 
ized into  an  independent  church,  under  the  name  of  the  Baptist 
Church  in  Bennington,  Vt." 

The  rapidly  increasing  population  of  the  east  village,  made  it  an 
inviting  fieldof  labor  for  this  young  church,  and  called  them  loudly  to 
make  efforts  to  build  up  the  cause  of  truth  and  holiness  in  the  place, 
since  they  were  then  the  only  church  organization  iu  it.  They 
were  still  supplied  occasionally  by  neighboring  pastors,  for  a  year, 
until  in  June,  1828,  they  secured  the  services  of  Brother  Henry 
F.  SaWium,  who  was  ordained  as  their  pastor  Dec,  I7th  1828.  He 
eervedthcm  iu  this  relation  till  Oct.,  1830,  during  which  period  they 


SEC.  I.]         CHURCHES:  I  BENNINGTON.  267 

had  but  little  increase;  reporting  43  to  the  association  in  June,  1828; 
and  only  53  in  June,  1880.*  This  slow  growth  was  for  the  want  of  a 
suitable  house  for  worship,  for  which  they  struggled  hard,  however, 
during  the  year  1829.  They  had  held  their  meetings  in  the  old 
Academy  for  about  three  years.  But  "in  the  spring  of  18^8,  the 
church  began  to  make  arrangments  for  the  erection  of  a  meeting 
house.  Aided  by  the  hearty  co  operation  of  some  enterprising  indi- 
viduals in  the  village,  and  by  the  generous  inhabitants  of  the  town 
and  vicinity,  they  were  able  to  erect  a  neat  and  convenient  house  of 
public  worship,  which  was  completed  and  dedicated  to  the  service 
of  Almighty  God,  July  the  7th,  1830." 

Elder  Thomas  Teasdale  succeeded  Elder  Baldwin  as  pastor  in 
Oct.,  1 830,  and  continued  in  that  relation  till  February,  1 832,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  Elder  Jeremiah  Hall,  in  April  of  that  year,  who 
continued  three  years,  as  pastor  of  the  church,  or  till  April  1835. 
Under  Elder  Teasdale's  care  the  church  was  somewhat  enlarged,  re- 
porting in  June,  1 831,  to  the  association,  an  accession  of  17  by  baptism, 
and  9  by  letter,  making  a  total  of  70  members.  The  year  1831  being 
a  year  of  general  revival,  the  work  continued,  so  that  in  June,  1833 
after  Elder  Hall's  settlement,  the  church  had  the  pleasure  of  reporting 
the  addition  of  20  more  by  baptism,  making  their  whole  number  87. 
Every  year  of  Elder  Hall's  ministry,  there  was  a  gradual  increase 
and  when  he  left  them  in  1835,  they  numbered  107  in  fellowship.  In 
the  winter  of  1834,  the  church  held  a  series  of  meetings  for  two  or 
three  weeks,  in  which  the  pastor  was  assisted  by  Rev.  George  B.  Ide, 
then  of  Braudou,  Vt.,  and  by  Elder  Arcuibald  SVait,  of  Rupert,  whose 
labors  were  owned  to  the  salvation  of  a  few  precious  souls,  and  the 
accession  of  1 2  by  baptism  to  the  church.  These  labors  were  useful 
to  the  students  of  Union  Academy  also,  at  that  time  flourishing  under 
the  care  of  Mr.  Adiel  Harvey,  now,  and  for  several  years.  Pastor  of 
the  Baptist  church  in  Old  Plymouth,  Mass.  The  revival  of  this 
Academy  from  a  long  sleep  of  years,  to  a  new  course  of  usefulness, 
was  under  God,  the  work  of  Elder  Hall  and  his  brethren  of  the  Bap- 
tist church,  aided  however  by  other  friends  of  education  in  the  village 
of  various  denominations,  as  well  as  by  some  of  the  brethren  in  church- 
es around. 

Elder  Hall  was  sticceeded  by  Brother  Samuel  B.  Willis,  a  recent 
graduate  of  Union  College,  N.  Y  ,  who  was  ordained  July  8th,  1835, 
as  pastor  of  the  church,  Rev.  G.  B.  Ide,  then  of  Albany,  preaching 
the  Sermon  from  1  Cor.  II,  3.  "  And  I  was  with  you  in  weakness, 
and  in  fear  and  in  much  trembling."  Elder  Willis  continued  but  one 
year,  added  a  few  to  the  church,  both  by  baptism  and  by  letter,  so  that 
he  left  115  in  their  fellowship,  as  reported  to  the  association  in  June, 
1836. 

The  next  Pastor  was  Eld.  Stephem  Hutchins,  whose  ministery  ex 
tended  through  a  period  of  nearly  six  years;  or  from  1836  to  1841 

*  Onr  esteemed  missionary  sister,  Mrs.  Eliz.i  W.  Browfl,  the  wife  of  Rev.  Nathan 
Brown  at  SiMagor,  Asam,  in  India,  was  Baptised  into  the  fellowship  of  this 
church  Nov.  28tb,  1830,  among  its  earlier  members. 


268  SHAFTSBURy  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

-He  was  favorer!  with'a  revival  of  great  power  in  the  years  1839-40  ; 
which  added  80  to  the  church  by  baptism  alone,  and  14  by  letter  , 
making  a  total  in  Juno  1840,  of  206  members.  During  his  pastorate 
there  was  a  nett  increase  of  about  80  members  in  the  churches.  In 
1839,  the  spirit  of  Beneficence  waxed  so  strong  among  the  brethren  of 
this  church,  that  they  reported  $G  t,00  contributed  for  various  objects  ; 
and  in  1840,  the  sum  of  SISO.OO,  of  which  $100,00  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, and  $50,00  for  Hamilton  Institution,  were  given  by  the  late 
Elias  Dimick,  one  of  their  members. 

In  1842,  Elder  "Wji.  "W".  Mooee  took  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
church;  but  remained  only  one  year.  This  was  a  year  of  enlarge- 
ment, during  which  67  were  added  by  baptism,  and  the  church  at- 
tained to  a  membership  of  257,  the  largest  it  ever  reported.  But  it 
was  the  year  of  the  Advent  excitement,  and  some  were  only  transient 
professors,  that  went  away  aud  walked  no  more  with  the  people  of 
God,  when  they  saw  the  Lord  did  not  come  as  they  had  expected,  to 
give  them  the  kingdom.  How  hard  it  is  to  live  and  work  by  Faith, 
waiting  for  the  Lord,  and  occupying  upon  our  talents  until  ho  comes. 
Only  the  genuine  disciple  will  do  this  ;  and  he  sometimes  seems  to  be 
turned  almost  back  from  the  cause.  But  the  revival  of  1843  added 
some  valuable  members  to  the  church. 

Elder  C.  W.  Hodges,  once  of  Shaftsbury  centre,  was  the  next  Pas- 
tor for  about  Jive  consecutive  years,  or  from  the  fall  of  1843,  to  the 
fall  of  1 848.  During  his  ministry,  no  extensive  revival  was  enjoyed  ; 
but  some  were  added  by  baptism  and  others  by  letter,  nearly  every 
year.  The  church  suffered  a  great  loss  in  1845,  by  the  destruction  of 
their  "holy  and  beautiful  house"  of  worship  in  afire  that  entirely 
consumed  it.  But  the  kindness  of  their  Episcopal  Brethren  allowed 
them  a  place  of  meeting  in  their  destitutii>n  ;  and  in  about  one  year 
and  a  half,  they  were  permitted  by  the  Divine  fiivor  to  dedicate  a 
new  aud  convenient  chapel  to  the  service  of  God,  which,  with  great 
sacrifices,  they  had  re-built  upon  the  site  of  their  former  sanctuary. 
May  it  long  be  to  them  as  their  Fathers  house,  and  become  the  spir- 
itual birthplace  of  many  souls.  Elder  Hodges  continued  as  Pastor, 
until  his  failing  health  compelled  him  to  leave  them  in  the  fall  of 
1848.  He  removed  to  Bristol,  Vt.,  where  he  died  in  April,  1851,  la- 
mented by  many  to  whom  his  labors  liad  been  blessed  as  a  savor  of 
life  unto  life. 

His  successor  was  Elder  Edward  Conover,  who  became  their  Pas- 
tor in  the  autumn  of  1849,  and  remained  with  them  till  tlie  spring  of 
1852,  when  he  resigned,  and  removed  to  Lebanon  Springs,  N.  Y.  A 
few  have  been  added  to  the  church  each  of  the  last  few  years, 
and  the  number  now  stands  in  1853  at  about  160.  For  the  past  year 
they  have  had  no  settled  pastor. 

Thus  it  appears  that  this  church  has  enjoyed  an  almost  uninten'upt- 
ed  growth,  during  the  brief  period  of  their  existence,  now  25  years, 
during  which  they  have  seldom  been  destitute  of  pastoral  oversight ; 
have  enjoyed  four  or  five  considerable  revivals,  in  1831-2  ;  in  1834  ; 
in  1839-40  ;  in  1842-3 ;  and  in  1849-50,  when  some  18  or  20  were  bap- 
tised into  their  fellowship.    From  tiie  first  about  280  have  been  added 


SEC.  I.]  CHURCHES  :    II    BENNINGTON.  269 

to  Ihem  by  baptism  ;  145  by  letter  ;  and  15  by  experience  and  restora- 
tion ;  making,  with  tbe  original  names,  a  total  of  some  430  -^'Lo  have 
been  embraced  in  their  membership,  Of  these  166  have  been  dis- 
missed to  other  churches,  54  dropped  from  the  records,  29  excluded, 
and  43  have  died  ;  leaving  a  present  number  (in  1852)  of  about  160. 
Has  not  God  been  good  to  his  Israel  in  the  first  Bennington  Baptist 
church  ?  For  if  they  have  shared  largely  in  trials,  and  in  labors  to 
sustain  the  cause  of  truth  amoi.g  them,  they  have  enjoyed  precious 
harvests  also,  and  rich  consolations  in  Christ  Jesus, — while  a  goodly 
number  of  brethren  and  sisters  still  remain,  to  carry  forward  the 
work  of  the  gospel  in  their  growing  and  prosperous  community.  May 
this  church  never  be  the  least,  in  future  years,  among  the  four  or  Jive 
organizations  that  now  form  the  sisterhood  of  churches  in  the  village 
of  Bennington. 

The  following  brethren  have  served  the  church  as  deacons  from 
the  first,  viz :  J^noch  Winslow,  Lorenzo  Downs,  Aaron  Grover  and 
Zadoc  L.  Taft. 

Brethren  Charles  B.  Keyes,  Truman  Hendrix,  "Wm.  Corbiere 
James  Allen,  L.  Berry,  Horace  Fletcher,  Z.  L.  Taft  and  A.  B.  Valen- 
tine have  held  the  office  of  clerk  in  successive  order  to  the  present  time. 

In  February,  1834,  the  church  printed  a  "short  summary  of  tho 
Faith  and  Disciplixe  of  the  church,"  with  a  brief  historic  sketch  of 
its  progress  to  that  time,  which  has  furnished,  with  the  file  of  assoeia- 
tional  minutes,  the  cliief  facts  wrought  into  this  short  history  of  the 
church. 


II.     SKETCH    OF    THE    SECOND    BAPTIST    CHURCH    IN 
BENNINGTON,  VT. 

The  Second  Baptist  Church  in  Bennington  was  organized  in  July 
1844;  and  publicly  recognized  by  a  council  that  met  with  them  on 
the  2d  day  of  October,  following.  Elder  D.  Tinkham  of  White  Creek 
■was  Moderator  of  this  council,  and  Dea.  Z.  L.  Taft,  of  1  Bennington, 
was  Clerk.  This  church  was  composed  in  part,  and  has  been  subse- 
quently increased,  by  the  accession  of  members  once  in  the  connec- 
tion of  the  First  Shaftsbury  church,  for  about  forti/  years  under  the 
pastoral  care  of  Elder  I.  Mattisou.  A  crisis  having  come  in  that 
church,  of  such  a  nature,  in  the  exercise  of  their  discipline  that  it  was 
found,  if  they  went  forward  in  a  course  of  discipline,  they  must  be 
rent  in  pieces,  and  in  all  probability,  be  scattered  to  the  four  winds 
of  heaven.  As  the  best  expedient  they  could  devise  in  such  an  emer- 
gency, they  voted  to  dissolve  their  organization  as  a  church,  author- 
izing the  clerk  to  give  letters  when  applied  for,  to  members  of  the 
old  church,  stating  that  they  were  members  at  the  time  of  its  dissolu- 
tion, without  giving  any  recommendation  further  of  their  standing. 

This  move  has  been  called  "hasty,  and  without  reference  to  the  feel- 
ings and  advice  of  their  former  Pastor,"  so  long  their  spiritual  guide 
and  counsellor,  who  was  absent  at  the  time,  on  a  tour  among  his  ehil- 
dren  in  the  west.  In  answer,  we  may  be  permitted  to  suggest,  that 
Elder  ilattison  was  not  considered  their  pastor  at  that  time  ;  but  was 


270  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

rather  a  miaister  at  large,  preaching  sometimes  for  them,  but  often 
itinerating  abroad,  when  and  where  he  pleased.  In  the  minutes  of 
the  Association  for  1844,  in  a  footnote,  it  is  recorded  thus  of  the  1st 
Shaftsbury  church,  "No  pastor;  but  supplied  with  preaching  by  R. 
R.  Bennett."* 

These  statements  will  be  a  suflicient  justification  of  those  brethren 
who  acted  in  this  matter,  according  to  their  most  deliberate  convic- 
tions in  dissolving  the  old  church,  thereby  preventing,  as  they  feared, 
a  long  distraction,  or  a  total  wreck  of  the  church. 

In  this  situation  of  their  affiiirs,  a  few  who  were  willing  hearted 
"first  gave  themselves  to  the  Lord,  and  then  to  each  other  by  the  will 
of  God'  to  sustain  the  worship  of  God,  and  the  order  of  a  visible 
church  of  Christ,  in  the  thriving  village  of  North  Bennington.  This 
place  had  no  house  for  evangelical  preaching,  and  no  organized  church 
in  it,  and  it  was  perfectly  consistent  to  the  views  and  feelings  of  these 
brethren  that  an  effort  was  needed  of  this  kind,  for  the  spiritual  wel- 
fare of  the  people.  Hence  the  incipient  organization  in  July  ;  and 
the  subsequent  act  of  recognition  by  the  council  that  met  in  October. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Association  at  the  old  house  of  the  1st  Shafts- 
bury  church  in  June,  184.5,  this  new  organization  applied  for  admission 
to  the  body,  and  a  committee  was  appointed,  to  consider  their  request, 
who  reported  as  follows :  "That  having  consulted  the  officers  of  said 
church — made  inquiry  respecting  their  organization — examined  their 
articles  of  faith  and  practice,  and  finding  them,  in  the  opinion  of  your 
ccmmittee,  to  be  orthodox,  do  therefore  recommend  that  said  church 
be  received  as  a  member  of  this  Association,"  This  report  was  accept- 
ed, and  it  was  "voted"]  That  said  church  be  received  as  a  member  of 
this  Association,  and  that  the  Moderator,  in  its  behalf,  present  to  them 
the  right  hand  of  fellowship  ;"  which  was  done  by  Elder  I.  Keach,  the 
presiding  officer  of  the  body,  to  Deacon  I.  Gale,  as  the  representative 
of  the  church. 

Thus  fellowshipped  by  the  Association,  this  interest  began  its  ca- 
reer as  a  church  of  Christ.  Tliey  had  already  secured  the  services  of 
Brother  Justin  A.  Sinilh,  as  their  pastor,  wlio  had  been  preaching 
some  months  among  them.  They  had  also  secured  a  lot  on  which  to 
erect  a  meeting-house  in  a  fine  location  at  tlie  head  of  one  of  their 
principal  streets.  And  on  the  last  day  of  the  Association,  at  the  request 
of  this  new  church,  "after  a  very  satisfactory  and  interesting  exami- 
nation, Brother  Smith  was  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  Gos- 
pel Ministry.":}: 

Elder  Smith  then,  was  the  first  pastor  of  this  church,  in  which  re- 
lation he  continued  till  Julv,  1849,  a  period  of  nearly  /^Ve  years,  when 
he  resigned  and  soon  after  became  pastor  of  the  first  Baptist  church, 
in  the  city  of  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  where  he  still  labors.  During  his  min- 
istry, he  gathered  a  good  congregation  and  consolidated  the  strength 

*See  minutes  of  1844,  page  4th,  foot  note. 
+See  Minutes  of  1S4.5,  page  5th. 
JSee  Minutes  of  1845,  page  7tli. 


SEC.  I.]  CUURCHES  :    II  BENNINGTON.  271 

of  the  Baptist  cause  in,  and  around  the  viilage,  so  far  as  could  reason- 
ably bo  expected.  And  although  the  church  enjoyed  no  special  re- 
vival under  his  ministry,  Elder  Smith  left  them  in  a  growing  condition 
with  84  members,  and  possessed  of  a  spirit  of  benevolence  that  had 
contributed  $156,40  for  various  objects  during  the  previous  year.  In 
the  five  years  of  his  continuance  among  them,  he  baptised  II  ;  while 
25  were  added  by  letter ;  23  by  experience  ;  and  the  church  increas- 
ed from  38  to  84  members  amidst  all  the  labor  and  hardship  of  build- 
ing a  house  of  worship.  This  is  a  convenient  edifice,  with  tower, 
clock  and  bell ;  which  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God  in  Janu- 
ary, 1846.  Besides,  the  society  have  built  about  100  feet  of  sheds  on 
their  lots  for  the  convenience  of  their  beasts,  while  they  go  up  from 
the  country  around  to  keep  holy  day  before  the  Lord.  In  these  ex- 
penditures, the  church  has  been  gi-eatly  assisted  by  the  community 
as  well  as  in  the  support  of  their  pastors. 

In  September,  1 849,  they  secured  the  services  of  Brother  John  I).  E. 
Jones  as  Mr.  Smith's  successor,  who  was  ordained  in  November  fol- 
lowing and  has  continued  as  their  pastor  to  the  present  time,  now 
nearly  fi  ur  years.  His  labors  have  been  crowned  with  a  blessing  in 
gathering  in  a  few  souls,  and  in  retaining  a  good  congregation  to 
hear  the  word  of  life  dispensed  from  one  Lord's  day  to  another.  The 
church  numbers  about  100,  at  the  present  time,  and  is  active  in  sus- 
taining the  cause  of  religious  benevolence  at  home  and  abroad.  There 
are  still  in  the  community  around,  many  members  of  the  old  church, 
(as  it  is  called)  who  might,  without  any  great  sacrifice  of  principle,  it 
is  thought,  become  members  of  this  new  interest,  and  aid  its  growth, 
as  well  as  their  own  advance  in  grace  by  the  connection.  They  are 
generally  friendly  to  the  pastor,  and  seem  to  be  waiting  for  a  time  of 
refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  to  enliven  their  graces  and 
make  them  ready  co-laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  Christ.  May  the 
spirit  be  poured  out  richly  and  speedily  upon  that  place,  and  the 
stately  goings  of  our  God  be  there  seen  in  the  sanctuary,  and  among 
all  his  people. 

A  few  individuals  have  purchased  and  fitted  up  a  neat  parsonage 
for  their  minister  at  a  cost  of  some  $1100.  Shall  such  sacrifices  be 
in  vain  ?  We  think  not.  But  the  showers  will  yet  come  down  like 
rain  upon  the  new  mown  grass,  in  answer  to  prayer,  and  the  promise 
never  fail,  that  "hethatgoeth  forth  weeping  and  bearing  precious  seed, 
shall  come  again  rejoicing  and  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him." 

Since  their  organization  in  1844,  now  nearly  nine  years,  21  have 
been  baptised,  47  added  by  letter,  and  23  by  experience,  making  129 
that  have  been  in  their  fellowship,  with  the  38  original  members;  of 
whom  18  have  been  dismissed,  3  excluded,  and  9  deceased,  leaving 
about  100  as  their  present  membership.  Isaac  Gale,  and  W.  J, 
Watson  have  been  the  deacons  of  this  church,  and  Wm.  E.  Hawks 
its  only  clerk. 


272  SIIAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

IIL    SKETCH  OF  THE  FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH  IN  HOO- 
SICK,  K  Y. 

Concerning  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Baptist  cause  in  the  town 
of  Hoosick,  N.  Y.,  and  especially  of  the  First  Hoosick  Baptist  Cliurch, 
as  it  is  now  designated,  we  are  able  to  give  the  following  account.  It 
is  to  be  regretted  that  a  fuller  sketch  could  not  have  been  secured, 
but  the  compiler  failed  of  any  aid  in  regard  to  it,  from  the  Pastor  of 
the  church  to  whom  he  wrote,  and  hence  has  made  out  the  following 
sketch  from  general  sources  of  information,  by  the  minutes  of  the 
Associations,  and  verbal  statements  from  some  of  the  aged  Brethren 
yet  living  in  the  town. 

The  first  Baptist  preacher  we  have  any  account  of,  lived  in  the 
north-west  part  of  the  town,  but  he  had  no  church.  Another  minister 
namedDavid  Skeels  lived  at  the  corners,  or  in  that  vicinity  in  the 
earlier  settlement  of  the  town,  but  he  also  rearedno  church. 

The  first  orgaiiized  Baptist  church  in  the  town  was  the  St.  Coix 
church,  a'luded  to  at  page  28  of  tViswork,  as  situated  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Beuuington  battle  ground  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  town. 
More  correctly,  it  was  located  near  what  is  now  called  North  Hoosick, 
and  south  of  that  precinct,  even  to  the  present  village  of  Hoosick 
Falls.  This  St.  Coix  church  was  formed  soon  after  the  war  of  the 
revolution,  probably  about  the  year  1782-3,  from  the  most  authentic 
accounts,  and  held  the  corporate  name  of  ihe  first  Baptist  church  in 
Hoosick,  as  the  later  records,  yet  extant,  testify.  This  organizatii m 
never  had  a  meeting  house;  but  met  for  worship  in  private  houses 
among  its  members  and  friends.  Its  preachers  were  Jehiel  Fox,  (af- 
terwards Elder  Fox  from  the  Chester  church  for  years,)  and  Aaron 
Haynes.  jMi*.  Haynes,  we  are  informed,  was  ordained  m  this  church, 
and  continued  as  its  Pastor  till  the  church  was  dissolved,  August  9tl), 
1812;  at  which  period  some  of  the  members  u.iited  upon  their  letters 
from  this  body,  with  the  Mapletowu  church. 

The  origin  of  the  latter  church,  as  the  present  First  Hoosick  church 
was  called  in  the  minutes  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association  lill  the  year 
1811,  is  given  in  the  following  words,  copied  from  the  records  of  the 
church.  May  8d.  1853,  in  the  possession  of  John  Haynes,  Esq,  (a  son 
of  Elder  A.  Haynes,  mentioned  above,)  and  for  several  years  a  clerk 
and  Deacon  of  the  church.     The  n-cords  run  thus  : 

"March  16th,  178.5.  The  Brethren  and  council  met  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  widow  Robinson,  in  Bennington,  agreeable  to  appointment 
to  attend  the  ordination  of  Brother  William  Bentley.  "  1.  Proceeded 
to  inquire  into  the  standing  of  the  Brethren,  to  know  whether  it  was 
their  minds  to  be  constituted  a  church  in  body  politic:  [^ecclesiastic 
is  meant,  we  presume]  "  2.  Agreed  to  be  a  church,  and  were  consti- 
tuted and  fellowshipped  by  Jacob  Drake,  Elder;  Joseph  Cornell,  El- 
der; Amos  Burrows,  ii'Wrr  ;  and  Brethren  of  the  council,  Benjamin 
Vaughn,  Jeduthan  Gray,  Moses  Kellogg,  and  Amaziah  Martin ;  and 
agreed  to  take  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  to  be 
our  rule  of  Faith  and  Practice.  "  3.  Proceeded  to  renew  our  request 
for  Brother  Bently  to  be  ordained  iu  the  church ;  and  he  agreed  to  our 


BEC.  1.3  CHURCHES  :    HOOSICK.  273 

call.  "4.  Proceeded  to  examine  bis  call  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
and  to  this  people.  "  5.  The  church  and  council  obtained  satisfaction 
respecting  his  ministerial  gifts.  "  6,  Proceeded  to  preach  a  sermon 
suitable  to  the  occasion  from  Ads  20  :  28,  last  clause,  delivered  by 
Elder  Joseph  Cornell,  Pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Manchester, 
Vt.  "7.  Opened  the  door  for  any  objection  why  said  Bentley  should 
not  be  ordained  ;  and  finding  none,  jJi'oceeded  by  prayer  and  laying 
on  of  hands  to  ordain  him.  Jacob  Duake,  Elder,  made  the  ordination 
prayer,  and  gave  the  charge.  Joseph  Cornell,  Elder,  gave  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship  ;  and  Amos  Burrows,  Elder,  made  the  concluding 
prayer.  "  8.  Adjourned  the  meeting  to  Mapletown,  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  brother  Harper  Rogers,  to  meet  at  7wo  o'clock  P.  M.  of  to- 
morrow." 

"March  17<h,  1785.  The  church  met  according  to  adjournment 
and  opened  the  same  by  prayer  to  God  for  direction.  1.  Proceeded 
to  choose  Thomas  Haynes  their  church  clerk.  2d.  Adjourned  the 
church  meeting  to  March  26th,  then  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Brother 
Harper  Rogers." 

Such  is  the  account  of  the  origin  of  this  church.  It  first  united 
with  the  Shaftsbury  Association  in  1792,  with  only  15  members.  It 
continue<l  small,  and  made  no  report  to  the  association  for  the  years 
1794,  "95,  and  '96.  But  in  1797  it  was  represented  by  P]lder  Samuel 
Rogers,  who  reported  an  accession  of  14  during  the  year,  and  a  total 
of  26  members.  He  continued  among  them  for  five  or  six  years,  du- 
ring which  period  the  church  increased  to  about  sixty.  There  was 
a  destitution  of  years,  after  Elder  Rogers  left  them  until  lb05,  when 
tiie  name  of  Elder  David  Rathbun  appears  as  a  messenger  and  Pas- 
tor of  this  church  for  five  years.  He  found  them  weak  and  small, 
only  about  20  in  number  ;  bat  his  ministry  was  favored  among  them 
in  1807-9,  and  some  2.3  to  30  wei'e  aided  to  the  church  under  his  la- 
bors. He  sustained  himself  in  part  among  this  people  by  teaching  a 
school. 

Elder  James  Glass  was  the  third  Pastor,  who  came  to  them  from 
the  Cambridge  chuich  in  the  spring  of- 1810,  and  after  ei  joying  a  glo- 
rious revival,  an  account  of  which  is  given  on  page  128  of  this  work, 
from  his  pen,  he  prematurely  died  of  consumption  in  1811  greatly  la- 
mented by  his  people.  During  his  brief  Pastroate,  the  church  in- 
creased from  about  55  to  141  members.  This  was  the  first  large  ac- 
cession the  church  had  ever  enjoyed.  And  now  by  the  dissolution  of 
the  St.  Coix  church  in  1812,  the  whole  town  was  open  to  the  labors 
of  this  church,  at  least  the  eastern  and  central  portions  of  it.  The 
first  house  of  worship  was  built  in  the  eastern  part"  of  the  town  in  a 
precinct,  called  Mapletown  to  this  day.  It  was  erected  about  the  year 
1792  although  not  completed  for  several  years.  This  house  was  taken 
down,  and  another  built  by  the  community  around  it  some  25  years  ago, 
but  is  not  under  Baptist  control.  The  hou-e  at  Hoosick  Falls  was  built 
in  1798,  or  about  that  time.  This  was  done  by  subscription,  for  the 
use  of  the  Baptists  chiefly  ;  but  free  for  all  others  when  not  occupied 
by  them.  It  is  still  standing,  though  quite  in  need  of  repairs  for  its 
preservation.    And  here  also  we  might  remark   that  about  20  yearg 


274  SIIAFTSBUUY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX, 

since,  the  church  and  society  erected  a  house  at  what  is  called  Iloosick 
four  corners,  which  is  eKclusivcly  their  own,  and  nearest  to  which  the 
membership  of  the  church  has  resided  for  many  years. 

After  the  death  of  Elder  Glass,  we  find  the  name  of  Elder  Thomas 
PuaiNGTON  as  Pastor  of  the  church  for  two  years  during  the  dark 
period  of  the  war  of  1812-16.  But  few  additions  are  given,  and  the 
church  on  the  whole  decreased  in  five  years  to  about  95  members.  In 
1816,  the  name  of  Obed  Wauuen  occurs  on  the  minutes  as  Pastor  of  the 
church;  and  I.  Webb  in  1817.  In  1818-19  there  is  no  pastor  given. 
The  church  received  an  accession  of  about  20  in  these  years  by  Bap- 
tism, but  from  dismissions  and  other  causes  it  did  not  increase  in  its 
aggregate  numbers.  And  the  same  remarks  will  apply  to  the  period 
of  Elder  George  Witheeell's  pastorate  from  1820-22  during  which 
some  13  were  added  by  baptism  and  letter,  while  about  the  same  num- 
ber were  lost  to  the  church,  and  in  1823,  only  80  were  reported  as  in 
fellowship. 

But  days  of  prosperity  were  at  hand,  and  the  tide  once  more  set 
in  favor  of  this  drooping  branch  of  Zion.  The  record  of  1824  presents 
the  name  of  Elder  Israel  Keach  as  pastor  of  this  church,  whose  min- 
istry continued  fur  sixteen  years,  the  longest  of  any  of  their  Pastor- 
ates. He  had  been  reared  in  the  town,  (being  the  son  of  Abraham 
Keach,  a  member  of  the  churcli)  was  baptised  by  Elder  Glass  at  the 
early  age  of  14,  in  his  last  revival,  and  when  about  18  he  was  licensed 
by  his  native  church  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  was  their  supply  in  the 
year  1815.  Then  for  eight  years,  he  was  absent  from  them,  having 
the  Pastoral  charge  of  the  2d  Baptist  church  in  Sandisfield,  Mass, 
where  he  was  ordained  in  June,  1817  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  min- 
istry. He  was  favored  with  two  seasons  of  revival,  in  whicli  he  bap- 
tised about  60  souls. 

In  his  connection  with  the  Hoosick  church,  he  was  alike  favored 
of  God,  baptising  in  tlie  16  years  of  his  pastorate  about  200,  and  re- 
ceiving about  75  more  by  letter,  greatly  enlarging  their  borders  and 
their  strength. 

Scarcely  a  year  elapsed  in  which  he  did  not  baptise  some,  and 
there  were  four  revival  seasons  during  his  pastorate,  in  the  years  1825, 
1827,  1831-2  and  1838.  The  r/reatest  shower  of  grace  descended 
upon  his  people,  with  other  churches  around,  in  the  years  1831-2, 
so  that  he  was  privileged  to  baptism  about  100  ere  the  work  had 
ceased  among  his  people.  This  revival  enlarged  the  church  to  the 
number  of  252,  the  greatest  membership  they  ever  reported  to  the 
association.  Another  gentle  shower  in  1838  added  25  by  baptism, 
but  from  dismissions,  and  a  few  exclusions  and  deaths,  the  church 
numbered  only  184  when  his  name  last  stands  in  their  connection,  in 
June,  1839. 

Following  him  have  been  these  names  as  Pastors  of  this  church  ia 
successive  order  as  published  in  the  associational  minutes.  In  1840-1, 
Elder  Archibald  Kknton,  who  added  a  few  to  the  church  ;  in  1842-3, 
Elder  J.  B.  Wilkins,  who  baptised  about  60  in  one  year  ;  in  1844, 
Elder  J.  Mitchell  ;  in  1846-48  Elder  C.  G.  Gurr  ;  and  from  1849 
to  the  spring  of  1853,  four  years.  Elder  Wm.  Arthur  has  been  their 


^J 


CHURCHE3  :    I  HOOSICK.  275 


Pastor,  but  has  now  removed  to  "West  Troy,  N".  Y.  There  has  been  no 
revival,  and  few  have  been  added  to  the  churcli  in  the  last  (en  years. 
Their  present  number  is  about  100  in  standing,  and  they  have  the 
■v\ealth  among  them  to  sustain  the  gospel  vs'ell,  and  do  good  abroad  ;  as 
•well  as  teiTitorv'  sufficient  to  engage  the  active  energies  of  a  good  min- 
ister of  Jesus  Christ.  May  they  «oon  find  such  a  man,  and  unitedly 
co-operate  with  his  labors,  until  a  harvest  uf  souls  shall  be  gathered  in 
once  more  among  them,  as  in  1881-2,  and  in  1811,  under  the  ministry 
of  the  lamented  Glass.* 

This  church  was  dismissed  from  the  Shaftsbuvy  Association  at  its 
own  request  in  1841,  and  united  with  the  Stepheutown,  where  it  con- 
linued  till  1851,  when  it  returned  home  again  to  its  old  mother. 

P.  S  We  cannot  take  leave  of  the  Hoosick  churches  without  saying 
a  word  in  regard  to  two  other  recent  organizations  in  this  town.  One 
is  called  the  West  Hoosick  Baptist  church,  constituted  in  1844  by  a 
membership  from  the  White  Creek  church  mostly,  under  the  care  of 
Elder  Daniel  Tinkham.  Bat  as  it  has  never  been  associated  any 
where,  we  can  give  no  statistics  of  its  condition.  About  60  were  dis. 
missed  to  form  it,  and  we  presume  its  present  membership  somewhat 
exceeds  that  number,  as  some  have  been  baptised  among  them.  They 
have  enjoyed  preaching  part  of  the  time,  by  vaaious  ministers. 

The  other  interest  referred  to,  is  at  Hoosick  Palls,  where  the  influ- 
ence of  the  First  church  had  greatlj-  declined  after  the  erection  of  the 
house  of  worship  at  the  corners,  so  that  no  regular  services  had  been 
held  for  years,  till  about  1847.  In  the  fall  of  this  year,  a  young  man 
named  Gregory,  a  licentiate  of  2d  Sandlake  Baptist  church,  located 
there,  and  labored  about  2  J  years  under  the  patronage  of  the  New 
York  Bap.  Missionary  Convention.  The  Lord  poured  out  his  spirit ; 
some  twenty  or  more  were  baptised  by  Br.  G.  after  having  been  or- 
d.iined,  and  a  chin-ch  was  constituted;  but  it  has  never  connected 
with  any  association.  Elder  G.  removed  west  in  the  spring  of  1850, 
and  the  church  has  had  preaching  but  a  little  of  the  time  since,  many 
having  moved  away,  they  are  still  weak  and  few  in  number.  May 
the  Great  Shepherd  think  on  them,  and  send  them  help  in  due  time. 


IV.  SKETCH  OF  THE  MANCHESTER  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Baptist  church  in  Manchester,  Vt.,  was  constituted  June  22d, 
1781,  by  Elder  NAruA>f  Maso.n  and  other  brethren  present  from  his 
church  in  Lanesboro,  Mass.  From  this  it  appears  that  many  of  the 
early  settlers  of  the  town,  were  from  that  Baptist  colony  in  Berkshire 
CO.  that  had  come  up  a  few  years  befoie  from  Rhode  Island  and  South 
Eastern  Massachusetts.     At  the  same  time  Elder  Joseph  Cornell 

*  The  following  Brethren  have  sened  this  chTirch  as  Deacons:  Ebenezer  Arnold, 
Daniel  Hose,  Solomon  Gale,  John  Ilaynes,  Isaac  Gale,  Henry  Bovee,  Richard 
Ostrander  and  Prosper  M.  Armstrong:;.  The  following  have  been  clerks  :  Thomas 
Haynes,  M.  D,  till  179'2  from  the  organization  ;  then  Daniel  Rogers,  Benj.imia 
Eandall,  John  Haynes,  Hart  Philips^  ?.  M.  Armstrong,  H.  Ilawka  and  now  Abra- 
ham Uoag. 


276  BHAFTSBTTRY    ASSOCIATION.  LaPPENDIX. 

vra.!i  elec'ed  Pastor  of  the  church  and  the  records  say:  "He,  having 
accepted  the  call ;  after  pr.ayer  to  God,  Elder  Jlason  proceeded  and 
gave  him  a  solenm  charge  to  be  faithful  in  the  execution  of  his  Office, 
and  then  gave  him  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.  He  also  gave  a  solemn 
charge  to  the  church  to  do,  and  perform  their  duty  to  him  as  their 
Elder."  And  the  same  day  Benjamhi  Vaugkn  was  chosen  clerk  of 
the  church,  which  office  he  discharged  for  ten  years.  Elder  Cor- 
nell was  from  Swanzey,  Mass.  originally  :  but  removed  to  Lanesboro, 
and  was  there  ordained  m  1780,  soon  after  which,  at  the  request  of  the 
Manchester  people,  he  removed  to  that  place,  and  began  his  labors 
among  them  in  the  autumn  of  that  year.  There  was  a  revival  in  pre 
gress  at  that  time,  as  we  understand,  but  how  many  became  its  sub- 
jects we  are  unable  to  determine.  Nor  is  there  any  account  of  the 
number  he  baptised,  in  a  ministry  of  14  years.  The  records  of  the 
church  which  have  been  consulted,  do  not  give  the  names  in  such  a 
w^ay  tliat  we  can  tell  the  number  of  additions  from  year  to  year,  nor 
how  many  in  all  were  added  to  the  church.  And  so  of  the  statistics 
of  the  associations  to  which  this  church  belonged  for  the  first  50  years 
of  its  existence.  It  united  with  the  Shaftsbury  Body,  in  1784,  but 
never  met  again  with  that  Body,  it  is  presumed,  for  45  years,  or  more ; 
because  in  1785,  the  Vkkmont  Baptist  Association  was  formed  ia 
Elder  Cornell's  barn,  to  which  this  church  became  connected,  and  re- 
mained for  some  ten  years.  By  this  time  the  Vermont  association 
had  enlarged  its  borders,  and  stretched  its  arms  to  the  north,  so  far  as 
to  embrace  the  churches  in  Orwell  and  Shoreham  60  miles  off ;  leav- 
ing them  on  the  extreme  southern  limit.  From  their  distance  from 
the  centre  of  this  Body,  and  from  their  own  depressed  condition  for 
years  after  Elder  Cornell's  removal,  as  well  as  the  distracted  state  of 
this  association,  they  were  discouraged  :  and  failing  to  represent 
themselves,  were  left  off  the  minutes,  and  never  reunited  with  the 
Vermont  Body,  nor  as  we  can  learn,  with  any  other,  until  1818, 
when  tlie  Manchester  Baptist  Association  was  formed  in  the  town, 
embracing  a  few  adjacent  churches,  that  held  together  in  an  associated 
body  till  about  1830.  Of  course  for  want  of  accurate  statistics,  usually 
preserred  in  the  minutes  of  associations,  we  can  only  approximate  the 
members  added,  and  the  totals  in  this  church,  from  time  time.  Many 
of  those  resided  in  town  when  Elder  Cornell  moved  into  it,  and  who 
invited  his  services  among  them,  were  transient  settlers,  gathered  there 
as  a  post  of  safety,  during  the  troublous  scenes  of  the  war  of  our  In- 
dependence; who  at  its  close  removed,  ar  d  settled  elsewhere,  so  that 
the  chui  ch  suffered  a  diminution  of  its  numbers  and  strength.  In  the 
minutes  of  the  Vermont  Association,  held  at  Pittsford,  Oct.  3d  1792 
now  before  us,  they  reported  a  total  of  only  43  members.  And  whea 
Elder  Cornell  was  fully  dismissed  from  the  church,  April  12th  1795, 
one  reason  given  on  the  records  is  "that  the  church  is  reduced  to  a 
small  number,  and  the  Elder  wishes  to  have  his  liberty  to  go  and 
preach  elsewhere."     He  removed  to  Galway,  Saratoga  co.  N.  Y. 

It  was  a  low  time  for  several  years,  for  althougli  a  house  of  wor- 
ship had  been  built  about  1790-93  yet  the  want  of  a  regular  pastor 
and  the  stated  means  of  grace  for  several  years  in  succession,  much 


SEC.  I.j  CHURCHES  :   MANCHESTER.  277 

hiadered  their  growth  of  the  church.  And  yet  such  had  been  the  re- 
putation of  Elder  Coraell,  during  the  period  of  his  ministry,  that  he  and 
nis  cliurch  had  frequent  calls  abroad  in  every  direction,  to  aid  sister 
churches  in  ordaining  their  Pastors,  and  adjusting  diffictllties  that 
arose  in  the  travel  of  these  churches. 

The  second  Pastor  -was  Elder  Calvin  CHAMBESLAm  ■who  came  from 
Brandon  and  took  charge  of  this  church  in  the  month  of  April,  1801. 
He  found  things  in  a  sad  condition ;  but  by  diligent  effort  he  gather- 
ed in  a  harvest  of  precious  souls  in  the  year  1805  and  1804,  as  stated 
by  one  of  the  Brethi-en,  yet  living,  and  himself  a  subject  of  this  gra- 
cious work.  Some  30  or  40,  he  thinks  must  have  been  Baptised,  and 
the  interests  of  Zion  once  more  flourished.  In  1810,  a  few  more  were 
gathered  in  ;  but  not  till  the  year  1817,  is  there  record  of  any  larga 
increase.  During  this  year,  from  April  to  October,  about  30  were 
baptised  ;  and  during  the  two  following  years,  some  15  more  are  re- 
ported as  has'ing  been  added  by  Baptism,  some  of  them  dissenters 
from  the  Congregational  church,  seeking  the  baptism  of  the  Gospel 
at  the  hands  of  the  venerable  Chamberlain,  because  it  was  denied 
them  in  their  own  church.  The  number  of  members  in  fellowship 
reported  to  the  Manchester  Association,  which  met  at  West  Dorset  ia 
the  baptist  meeting  house  Sept.  22d  1819,  was  93.  The  messengers 
for  that  year  wera  Eldee  Chamberlain,  Deacon  George  Oalusha,  and 
Brethren  Truman  Hill,  James  Wheaton  and  J.  S,  Pettibone  ;  the  lat- 
ter serving  as  clerk  of  the  Body. 

In  October  1818,  the  church  voted  to  adopt  and  print  a  summary 
of  Articles  of  Faith  and  practice  instead  of  those  adoptsd  at  the  first 
establishment  of  the  church,  but  as  none  are  to  be  found  now,  it  is 
presumed  the  vote  was  never  executed. 

In  March  1823,  Elder  John  R,  Dodge  was  associated  with  Eldet 
Chamberlain  as  an  assistant  pastor,  and  continued  about  two  years. 
During  this  time,  Aug.  27th  1 823,  the  unusual  occurrence  transpired 
in  the  history  of  th'e  church,  of  the  ordination  of  Deacons.  Thes* 
were,  Brethren  Truman  Hill,  and  Peter  W.  Dean.  Delegates  and 
ministers,  invited  from  several  churches  in  the  vicinity  were  present ; 
when  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  P.  W.  Reynolds  then  of  Rupert; 
prayer  by  the  same,  with  imposition  of  hands  by  Elder  C.  M.  Fuller, 
and  Beacon  Isaac  Gray  both  of  West  Dorset ;  and  the  right  hand  of 
fellowship  was  extended  with  appropriate  remarks  by  the  assistant 
pastor  of  the  church,  Elder  Dodge  ;  and  a  charge  was  given  to  the  can- 
didates by  Elder  C.  M.  Fuller,  It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  these  officers 
are  so  seldom  ordained  to  their  appropriate  work,  among  our  churches, 
in  these  latter  years.  Elder  Chamberlain  did  not  wholly  resign  the 
charge  of  the  church  till  he  died.  And  in  his  last  days  he  was  per- 
mitted once  more  to  see  the  salvation  of  God  among  his  beloved 
people.  In  the  fall  of  1824,  from  September  to  December,  a  revival 
was  enjoyed  that  brought  some  20  to  25  members  into  the  church 
whom  Elder  Dodge  baptised  into  their  fellowship.  With  such  influ- 
ences around  him.  Elder  Chamberlain  passed  away  from  among  the 
living  on  Earth,  to  his  reward  in  Heaven.  He  died  in  Nov.  1824,  af- 
ter having  served  the  church  as  sole  Pastor  for  about  22  years,  at  the 

13 


278  SHAFTSBLRY  ASSYCIATION.  [aPFEKDIX 

ripe  age  of  64.  Elder  Cbambeilain  was  a  man  of  solid  piety,  firm  in 
his  principles,  sound  in  doctrine ;  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him 
for  his  grave,  consistent  demeanor.  "  And  though  dead  he  yet  sj^eak- 
eih;"  and  "  his  record  is  on  high." 

Elder  Dodge  was  succeeded  in  the  spring  of  1825,  by  Elder  P.  W. 
Retnolds,  whom  the  church  invited  in  April,  to  preach  for  them  one 
half  the  time  for  two  months.  In  November  following  he  became  a 
member  and  Pastor  of  the  church,  and  removed  into  the  town,  where 
he  still  resides.  For  about  four  years  be  served  them,  during  which 
time  there  were  frequent  accessions  by  baptism,  though  the  records 
of  the  church  do  not  furnish  the  number  nor  the  names  of  all.  In 
1826,  some  12  to  15  were  baptized,  and  in  1827,  the  church  reported  99 
to  the  association,  as  their  entire  number,  but  none  baptized  that  year. 
In  May,  1829,  Elder  Reynolds  gave  notice  that  be  should  close  his  la- 
bors, and  asked  a  letter  of  dismission.  Meanwhile  he  had  expressed 
a  diversity  of  sentiments  from  the  body  of  the  church,  which  sooa 
ripened  into  the  views  of  Alexander  Campbell,  of  Bethani/,  Yu* 
ginia ;  whose  system  be  has  now  advocated  for  more  than  2U  j'ears. 
The  church  labored  for  months  to  reclaim  him  ;  called  a  council  for 
advice,  but  all  to  no  avail ;  and  finally  in  December,  1829,  they  with- 
drew their  fellowship  from  him.  But  he,  with  some  10  or  15  others 
from  the  church,  set  up  a  counter  interest,  that  has  existed  in  town 
ever  since  ;  though  in  a  feeble  state  as  to  numbers,  and  the  means  of 
sustaining  their  visibility. 

And  now  for  a  year  or  two,  the  church  were  like  sheep  having  no 
shepherd,  and  exposed  to  be  a  prey  in  the  teeth  of  the  devourer ; 
but  obtaining  help  of  the  Lord,  they  continued,  and  in  the  winter  and 
-spring  of  the  year  1881,  they  enjoyed  for  a  few  months  the  labors  of 
Elder  A.  D.  Gillette,  now  of  Pliiladelpbia,  which  strengthened  their 
weakness  and  inspired  them  with  new  hope  as  a  church.  In  the 
month  of  July,  Brother  Moses  Field  began  his  labors  among  them, 
and  was  ordained  on  the  16th  of  August,  and  became  their  Jffth  Pas- 
tor. And  now  the  waters  in  the  pool  of  salvation  were  stirred  among 
them ;  for  in  August,  and  onward  for  months,  accessions  by  baptism 
occurred,  imtil  about  30  were  thus  added  to  the  church  during  the 
year.  This  was  a  great  encouragement  both  to  the  church  and  their 
youthful  Pastor,  amidst  the  arduous  labors  of  his  calling.  Elder 
Field  remained  about  three  years,  during  which  time,  in  1833,  their 
present  bouse  of  worship  was  erected  and  dedicated  to  the  worship 
of  Almighty  God.  It  is  of  brick,  about  -10  by  50  feet,  with  steeple, 
and  conveniently  finished  within  ;  having  a  ])orch  and  singing  gallery 
over  it,  and  capable  of  seating  about  500  persons.  This  house  is  lo- 
cated at  Factory  Point,  now  becoming  the  largest  village  in  town, 
because  of  its  water-power  and  proximity  to  the  railroad  depot,  and 
one  and  a  quarter  miles  from  the  Court-house,  and  old  village.  And 
we  presume  we  venture  nothing  in  s.aying  that,  although  there  is  a 
Bank,  Court-House,  and  the  Burr  Seminary,  all  located  at  the  old 
village  on  the  bill,  yet  in  a  few  years,  from  reasons  given  above, 
Factory  Point  will  be  the  leading  place  in  Manchester,  bstb  in  popu- 
ation  and  busmess.    The  Baptist  and  Episcopal  meeting-houses  have 


StC.  I.J  CHURCHES  ;    MANCHESTER.  279 

always  been  in  this  village.  During  the  ministry  of  Elder  Field  the 
condition  of  things  was  very  much  improved  in  the  church.  And  ia 
1833  they  united  with  the  Shaftsbury  Association  again,  whot>e  ter- 
ritory had  become  narrowed  down  to  Bennington  county  and  vicinity, 
where  they  have  since  remained.  They  reported  a  total  of  87  mem- 
bers in  fellowship  that  year. 

Elder  Silas  Kenney  succeeded  to  the  Pastorate  in  the  autumn  of 
1834,  and  remained  two  and  a  half  years,  or  till  March,  1S87.  It  was 
a  time  of  trial  during  Elder  Kenney's  ministry,  from  difficulties  be- 
tween individuals,  and  he  baptized  only  one  or  tioo ;  when  he  removed, 
leaving  about  75  members  in  the  church,  and  his  beloved  companion 
sleeping  in  the  dust  beside  the  ashes  of  the  venerable  Chamberlain 
and  his  wife. 

Their  next,  or  Seventh  Pastor,  was  Elder  Dexter  P.  Smith,  now  in 
Iowa,  who  labored  a  year  or  more,  in  1838-89,  and  gathered  a  harvest 
of  some  50  souls  into  the  church,  assisted  by  the  labors  of  Elder  Wm. 
Grant,  in  a  protracted  meeting,  held  in  the  busy  month  of  July.  For 
a  week  or  tivo  baptisms  occurred  almost  daily,  and  in  that  single  month, 
about  40  went  down  into  the  water,  and  were  "buried  with  Christ" 
in  the  liquid  grave,  in  token  of  their  death  to  sin  and  obedience  to 
him  as  their  Leader  and  King  in  Zion.  Elder  Smith  removed  in  the 
spring  of  1839,  leaving  about  126  in  fellowship. 

Elder  D.  W.  Burroughs  was  the  next  Pastor,  who  continued  only 
about  one  year.  In  March,  1839,  the  church,  by  a  unanimous  vote, 
adopted  a  revised  set  of  Articles  of  Faith  and  Practice,  but  these  for 
some  reason,  shared  the  fate  of  a  former  revision  in  1818,  and  were 
never  printed  for  the  use  of  the  church.  In  March,  1840,  the  church 
"voted  not  to  fellowship  those  who  deal  in,  or  use  intoxicating 
drinks." 

For  a  while  the  church  was  supphedwith  preaching  in  1840-41,  by 
Elder  Joseph  Packard,  who  baptized /owr  in  the  fall  of  1841. 

Their  Ninth  Pastor  was  Brother  Harvey  I.  Parker,  who  settled 
among  them  about  the  close  of  the  year  1841,  and  was  ordained  the 
26th  of  January,  1842.  In  the  summer  of  that  year,  some  mercy 
drops  fell  upon  Zion,  and  in  November,  during  a  meeting  of  days,  in 
■which  the  Pastor  was  assisted  by  Elder  M.  D.  Miller,  now  of  Madi- 
son, Wisconsin,  some  25  were  baptized  in  the  fellowship  of  the  church. 
In  all,  there  must  have  been  added  during  Elder  Parker's  ministry  of 
three  years,  about  33  by  baptism,  and  15  by  letter,  enlarging  their 
■•number  to  136,  reported  in  1843  to  the  Association.  This  was  pro- 
bably the  highest  number  of  members  ever  in  the  church  at  one 
time.  In  November,  1844,  Elder  Parker  was  dismissed  at  his  own 
request,  and  removed  to  Burlington,  where  he  has  been  Pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church  ever  since,  till  the  spring  of  1863. 

From  that  time,  changes  have  been  tlie  order  of  the  day  in  respect 
to  pastors,  no  less  than  four  having  been  settled  and  removed  in  seven 
years.  It  may  not  be  the  province  of  a  historian  to  divine  the  cause 
of  these  frequent  changes,  but  it  is  sad  to  be  compelled  to  record 
•them,  for  usually  they  indicate  some  wrong  policy  in  a  church,  either 
in  settling,  or  dismissing  their  pastor.     Elder  G.  S.  Stockwell  was 


280  SHAFTSBURy  ASSOCIATION,  [APPENDIX. 

pastor  for  about  a  year,  from  May  1845,  to  April  1846.  And  in  1846 
Elder  H.  Crawley  succeeded  him  in  May,  and  staid  two  years,  or  till 
April,  1848.  Neither  of  tliese  baptized  any,  for  it  was  a  time  of  de- 
clension and  trials  among  some  of  the  brethren,  and  the  Holy  Spuit 
was  grieved  away.  The  association  met  in  Manchester  this  year,  to 
which  the  church  reported  100  members  as  then*  total  number. 

In  September,  1846,  Elder  Winthrop  Moese,  from  Massachusetts, 
took  charge  of  the  church,  and  in  one  year  baptized /owr,  when  he 
removed.  After  a  destitution  of  some  seven  months,  the  church  set- 
tled Elder  Stephen  "VVright  in  May,  1860,  who  remained  about  two 
years,  baptized  three,  and  removed  in  April,  1852.  During  this  last 
pastorate  there  was  some  advance  made  by  the  church,  in  her  exter- 
nal, if  not  in  her  internal  affairs.  The  house  of  worship  was  some- 
what improved,  within  and  without;  and  in  1861  especially,  the  Sun- 
day School  increased  to  an  average  attendance  during  the  summer 
months  of  about  60 ;  and  the  library  was  enlarged  during  the  two 
years,  by  the  purchase  of  some  25  dollars  worth  of  solid  religious 
reading.* 

In  seventy  years  this  church  has  had  no  less  than  13  Pastors  set- 
tled among  them.  The  longest  pastorate  was  that  of  Elder  Cham- 
berlain, 22  years.  Elder  Cornell's  of  14  years,  is  the  next ;  and  of 
the  rest,  scarcely  any  exceeded  three  years.  Since  1800,  as  near  as 
we  can  estimate  from  imperfect  data,  about  240  to  '250  have  been 
baptized  into  the  church;  about  100  added  by  letter  ;  1*76  dismissed  ; 
and  76  excluded.  How  many  have  deceased,  we  are  imable  to  say, 
but  there  now  remains  about  95  in  membership. 

This  church  has  licensed  five  or  six  of  its  members,  all  previous  to 
18i24,  to  improve  their  gifts  in  public  speaking,  some  of  whom  have 
become  ordained  and  useful  ministers  of  the  gospel.  The  following 
brethren  have  served  as  Deacons  in  the  church;  Benjamin  Vaughn, 
chosen  in  1782  ;  George  Galusha,  in  1812  ;  Truman  Hill,  in  1820  to 
1823;  Peter  W.  Dean,  1823  to  1827;  Beujaiijin  Sutherland,  from  1825 
to  1837  ;  David  Vauglm,  1828  to  1834;  A.  Tourtelot,  1834  to  1845, 
and  Loriug  Dean,  chosen  in  January,  1838,  and  John  Chapman,  2d, 
chosen  in  1845,  which  last  two  serve  at  the  present  time. 

The  Clerks  have  been  as  follows :  Benj.  Vaughn,  from  June  22, 
1781  to  July,  1791 ;  Ebenezer  Hurlbut,  from  1791  to  January  1802  ; 
Roger  Sutherland,  1802  to  December  25,1806;  David  Vaughn,  1806, 
to  June  1834,  about  27^  years;  A.  Tourtelot,  from  June  1834,  to  Dec. 
9,  1834 ;  J.  S.  Pettibone,  from  December  9,  1834  to  October  2,  1835 ; 
Loring  Dean,  to  May  28,  1836  ;  Martin  Slocum,  to  March,  1840,  and 
since  that  time,  John  W.  Harris,  now  12  years.  Nine  different  per- 
sons have  served  the  church  as  Deacons,  and  nine  as  Clerks. 

*  Elder  Jonathan  R.  Green  was  settled  in  May,  1852,  with  this  church,  and  en- 
tered upon  the  duties  of  his  pastorate  with  great  ardor;  but  in  a  few  months  he 
fell  at  his  post  with  Ins  armor  on,  a  victim  of  the  malignant  dysentery  that  pro- 
vailed  in  and  around  Factory  Point  the  latter  part  of  the  summer,  and  cut  off  sev- 
eral others  in  the  vigor  of  life,  and  in  the  midst  of  their  usefulness.  Elder  Q.  died 
lu  the  affections  of  his  people,  and  of  the  community.  Lord's  Day  evening,  Septem- 
ber 19th,  1852,  aged  51.  yince  his  death  the  church  have  been  destitute  of  a  pas- 
tor, until  the  present  time,  June,  1653,  save  an  occasional  supply. 


SEC.  I.]  churches:   PCWNAL.  281 

And  now,  in  conclusion,  would  this  church  put  on  her  strength,  and 
unitedly  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty,  and,  by 
a  liberal  support  of  the  ministry,  and  all  the  institutions  of  religion 
among  them,  occupy  vigorously  their  interesting  field  of  labor,  they 
might  be,  with  the  Divine  blessing,  one  of  the  most  efficient  churches 
of  our  denomination  in  the  county  of  BenaiDgton,  if  not  in  the  whole 
State. 


V.     SKETCH  OF  THE  BAPTIST  CHURCH  IN  POWNAL,  VT. 

The  existence  of  Baptists  in  Pownal  dates  back  as  early  as  the  year 
1772,  when  a  few  brethren  were  gathered  into  a  church  by  a  minister 
named  Benjamin  Gardner  from  Rhode  Island,  that  existed  only  a  few 
years,  in  consequence  of  the  defection  of  Mr.  Gardner  from  the  puri- 
ty of  a  minister's  life,  which  threw  them  into  confusion.  This  body 
bad  reached  the  number  of  sixty  members,  as  the  result  of  an  awake- 
ning among  the  people  in  1773.*  This  church  remained  in  a  bi-oken 
state,  after  Mr.  Gardner's  fall,  till  1781,  when  they  were  visited  by  a 
minister  named  Francis  Bennett  from  Foster,  Rhode  Island,  whose 
labors  were  blessed  to  their  strengthening  so  that  they  resumed  the 
order  and  walk  of  a  Gospel  church  the  next  year,  as  the  records  of  the 
present  organization  show,  in  the  words  following  :  "Pownal,  Nov. 
25th,  1782 .  A  number  of  persons  assembled  together  in  said  Pownal 
and  made  solemn  covenant  in  the  order  of  a  Baptist  church.  There 
were  present  from  the  church  at  Adams,  (or  1  st  Cheshire)  Elder  Pe- 
TEH  Wkeden,  brethren  Stephen  Carpenter  and  John  Lasure  ;  from  the 
church  at  Stillwater,  Elder  Lemuel  Powers,  and  brother  Benjamin 
Irish ;  from  the  church  at  Coventry,  Rhode  Island,  Elder  Caleb 
Nichols,  brethren  John  Parker  and  Laniel  Comins;  from  the  church 
at  Hancock,  Eider  Clark  Rogebs,  and  brother  Robert  Carr ;  who  af- 
ter beholding  our  order,  gave  us  fellowship  as  a  Gospel  church." 

Few  entries  of  church  business  are  recorded  for  a  number  of  years, 
and  we  suppose  its  travel  and  progress  was  mixed  with  joys  and  trials 
labors  and  imperfections,  not  having  a  regulur  pastor,  as  we  can  learn, 
till  1788,  whtiu  Elder  Caleb  Nichols  from  Rhode  Island  removed 
into  the  town  and  become  Pastor  of  the  church  f 

Of  the  progress  of  this  church  during  the  Pastorate  of  Elder  Nichols, 
we  can  give  but  a  meagre  account  from  the  materials  at  hand.  SufiS- 
ce  it  to  say,  that  in  the  last  ten  years  of  it,  there  were  added  to  the 
church  100,  raising  them  to  an  average  number  during  his  min- 
istry, of  130  members.     This  church  first  united  with  the  Shaftsbm-y 

*  See  Benedict.  Vol  I.,  Page  336. 

t  In  1790  a  second  B.iptist  church  was  conistituted  in  the  north  west  part  of  the 
town,  of  which  Eldt-r  Bennett,  (before  inentioned)  wa.s  Pastor  for  many  years.  But 
this  church  was  never  connected  with  the  association.  Elder  Bennett  lived  and 
died  In  town ;  and  his  chorcb  became  extinct  years  aga 


282  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

Association  in  1793,  with  72  in  their  fellowship,  and  Elder  Nichols  as 
their  Pastor.  The  next  year  they  reported  the  large  accession  of  64 
to  their  number  with  a  total  of  137,  Elder  N.  after  tifteen  years  of  use- 
ful labor  among  this  people  died  in  their  affections,  Feb.  27  1804,  in 
the  61st  year  of  his  age. 

The  next  Pastor  was  Elder  Dyer  Starks,  for  three  years ;  but  no 
enlargement  of  the  church  is  recorded  in  this  period.  For  three  or 
four  years  again  they  were  without  a  pastor,  from  1807-10. 
And  during  this  time  they  were  favored  with  a  gracious  revival  once 
more,  aided  by  the  labors  of  Elder  J.  Leland,  so  that  in  1808,  they 
reported  to  the  association  meeting  with  them  that  year,  the  accession 
of  77,  and  a  total  of  192  members  in  the  church. 

In  the  jear  1811-12  we  find  the  name  of  Elder  David  Hulbeut  as 
Pastor ;  and  then  8  years  of  destitution  again  till  1016,  when  the  namo 
of  Elder  George  Robinson  is  found  as  Pastor  for^ye  years.  But  from 
1 8  1 1  to  2 1  it  was  a  time  of  declension  in  which  not  more  than  Jive 
persons  were  added  to  the  church  according  to  the  minutes  of  the  as- 
sociation. For  many  years,  the  church  was  supplied  in  their  seasons 
of  destitution  by  two  Licentiates  living  among  them,  named  Benjaini7i 
Gardner,  and  Dr.  Cranmer  Bannister :  Elder  Leland  of  Cheshire 
usually  baptising  for  them. 

In  1822  they  report  26  baptised  with  a  total  of  only  95.  In 
1824-5,  Elder  Edward  Green  is  reported  as  Pastor,  and  3  las  bap- 
tised in  1824.  In  1829,  we  find  the  name  of  Elder  Wakeman  G. 
Johnson,  occurs  as  Pastor.  And  in  1831-3,  Elder  Green  was  again 
their  supply  with  an  addition  of  some  15  in  the  time.  But  in  1834 
the  name  of  Elder  Elihu  Dutcher  occurs,  and  stands  as  their  Pastor 
till  1837.  During  his  first  year,  in  midsummer,  a  powerful  revival 
was  enjoyed  as  the  result  of  a  protracted  meeting,  in  which  various 
ministers  assisted,  among  whom  was  Elder  Eber  Tucker  an  evangelist, 
and  59  were  baptised  raising  their  number  to  107. 

In  1 837  another  season  of  refreshing  was  enjoyed  in  a  similar  meet 
ing  in  which  their  Pastor,  Elder  Thomas  S.  Rogers,  was  aided  by 
Elder  Wm.  Grant,  which  brought  in  another  accession  of  20  by  bap- 
tism. Elder  Rogers  was  ordained  in  the  midst  of  this  meeting.  He 
only  remained  a  year.  After  him  we  find  the  name  of  Elder  Isaac 
Childs  as  Pastor,  in  1838-9,  and  then  a  destitution  for  three  years. 

In  1843  the  name  of  Elder  D.  W.  Gifford  occurs,  with  no  addition, 
and  a  total  of  78  in  fellowship. 

But  in  1844,  Elder  Matthew  Batchelor  settled  among  them,  and 
has  continued,  to  the  present  time,  a  period  of  nine  years ;  and  the 
longest  pastorate  enjoyed  among  them  since  the  days  of  Elder  Nichols. 
During  the  first  two  years  of  his  labors,  some  20  were  added  by  bap- 
tism, and  15  by  letter,  making  them  100  strong.  Since  then,  mostly 
in  the  year  1848-9,  about  30  more  have  been  added  by  baptism,  and 
they  now  stand  with  a  membership  of  about  100  in  their  fellowship. 

This  Powual  church  have  built,  and  helped  to  build  three  houses 
of  worship,  in  thelast  twelve  years,  only  one  of  which,  however  is  ex- 
clusively under  their  control,  although  they  have  rights  in  each  of 
them,  in  common  with  others.     Whether  this  policy  of  multiplying 


SEC.  I;]  CHURCHES  :    RUPERT.  283 

meeting  houses  in  so  many  localities,  and  not  owned  or  controlled  by 
any  particular  denomination,  shall  prove  useful  and  God-honoring  in 
the  end,  remains  to  be  demonstrated  among  them,  by  two  illu«trations, 
at  least. 

Of  the  officers  of  the  church,  beside  the  Pastor,  -we  are  imable  to 
give  any  clear  account ;  except  that  Benjamin  Gardner  and  Joseph 
Myers,  have  served  as  Deacons  for  many  years ;  and  the  latter,  as, 
clerk,  some  25  years  or  more. 


VI.  SKETCH  OF  THE  RUPERT  BAPTIST  CHURCH,  VT. 

This  church  was  originally  a  branch  of  Elder  Obed  "Warren's 
church,  in  Salem,  N.  Y.  But  on  the  25th  of  May,  1803,  it  was  regu- 
larly organized  into  a  distinct  body,  by  a  council  that  met  with  them, 
composed  of  Elders  Warren,  of  Salem  ;  Isaac  Beal,  of  Pawlet ;  Bar- 
ber, of  Bottskill ;  Sylvanus  Haynes,  of  Middletown,  and  Clark  Ken- 
drick,  of  Poultney.  The  church  was  then  composed  of  32  members, 
and  a  Br.  Alvin  Wales  was  ordained  as  their  Pastor  at  the  same 
time. 

In  the  year  1804,  they  were  favored  with  a  precious  revival  season, 
and  sovae  forty  persons -v^exe  baptised  into  their  fellowship;  one  of 
■whom,  Br.  Seely  Sherman,  furnished  the  chief  materials  for  this 
sketch.  But  trials  succeeded,  and  in  1806,  by  the  advice  of  a  council 
of  five  or  six  ministers,  and  other  brethren  from  neighboring  churches, 
twenty-four  members  of  the  church  were  excluded,  which  reduced 
their  number  considerably.  Still  they  reported  73  members  to  the 
Vermont  Association,  in  Oetober  of  the  year  1807.  In  1809,  Elder 
Wales  left  them,  and  for  several  years  they  were  without  a  pastor, 
though  occasionally  supplied  by  neighboring  ministers — Barber,  Beal, 
Brown  and  Wan-en,  with  the  administration  of  the  ordinances  until 
1813. 

At  this  time  a  licentiate  of  the  church,  who  had  preached  among 
them  some  in  their  destitution,  was  called  forth  into  the  ministry,  and 
in  October  was  ordained  Pastor  of  the  church.  This  was  Elder  Wee- 
den  P.  Reynolds.  He  sustained  this  relation  till  1825,  or  nearly  12 
years,  during  which  period  the  church  was  favored  with  a  number  of 
revival  seasons,  and  became  quite  large  and  strong.  In  1814,  the 
first  year  of  Elder  Reynolds'  ministry,  21  were  reported  as  having 
been  added  to  the  church,  making  a  total  of  93.  In  1819,  they  report- 
ed to  the  Manchester  Association  a  total  of  153  members.  And  in 
1825,  when  the  association  met  with  this  church,  September  21  and 
22,  they  reported  thi-ee  baptised,  and  a  total  of  120.  Elder  Reynolds 
had  now  removed,  and  became  pastor  of  the  Manchester  church.  He 
was  several  times  Moderator,  or  preacher  of  the  Introductory,  at  the 
associated  meetings  of  this  Manchester  Body. 

From  1825  to  1830,  various  ministers  served  them  a  short  time 
each  ;  but  it  was  a  period  of  dearth  and  declension,  for  the  want  of 


284  SlIAFTSBURY    ASSnciATIOI^.  [APPENDIX. 

regular  pastoral  oversight  and  instructioa.  lu  1830,  Elder  Archibald 
"Wait  was  settled  over  the  chiirch,  and  contiaued  for  four  years  to 
preach  and  administer  the  ordinances  with  good  success.  And  during 
his  pastorate,  especially  in  the  years  1831  and  '32,  showers  of  bless- 
ngs  descended  upon  that  thirsty  Zion  hill,  and  many  valuable  mem- 
bers were  added,  some  of  whom  still  live  to  adorn  their  profession  ;* 
while  others  went  back  as  usual,  after  such  times  of  revival,  to  their 
former  lusts  in  the  world.  The  number  added  during  Elder  Wait's 
ministry  of  two  years,  was  nearly  100.  After  this  revival,  the  church 
became  divided  by  the  introduction  among  them,  of  the  peculiar  sen- 
timents of  Alexander  Campbell,  who  himself  visited  the  place,  in  one 
of  his  tours,  and  added  fuel  to  the  flame  of  discord  already  kindled. 
Asa  result,  nearly  or  quite  half  of  the  members,  with  a  good  portion 
of  the  property  in  the  church  went  off,  and  formed  what  they  called 
a  congregation  of  Disciples,  alais  Oampbkllites,  which  gi'eatly  weak- 
ened the  church,  and  has  affected  its  prosperity  ever  since. 

From  1834  to  1840,  a  period  of  seven  years,  it  was  a  time  of  de- 
clension and  trial,  as  well  as  weakness  in  the  maintenance  of  the  or- 
dinances of  worship.  Still  they  had  occasional  preaching,  and  for 
brief  periods  regular  preaching  by  various  ministers.  Among  these 
were  Elders  M.  L.  Fuller,  H.  H.  Haff,  Wm.  Cormack,  (a  licentiate  from 
Lakeville  church  in  Greenwich,)  A.  Wait  again,  E.  SouUai'd,  and  S. 
A.  Estee,  of  Salem. 

In  1836,  while  Br.  Cormack  was  their  supply,  they  reported  123 
members  to  the  Washington  Union  Association,  with  which  they  had 
now  united.  But  in  1841,  when  Elder  Wm.  Grant  had  become  their 
Pastor,  they  reported  only  84,  of  whom  9  had  been  baptised  during 
the  year  before.  So  much  had  they  lost  dm-ing  the  period  of  pastoral 
destitution.  When  will  churches  learn  to  believe  the  policy  of  the 
Savior  is  the  wisest,  and  secure,  and  well  support  a  Pastor  constantly, 
for  their  own  comfort,  peace  and  prosperity  *  A  little  more  forbear- 
ance or  sacrifice  on  the  part  of  a  church  to  make  the  minister  com- 
fortable, would  save  him  the  trouble  of  removal,  and  themselves  the 
loss  of  a  tried  and  useful  pastor,  as  well  as  the  inevitable  decline 
with  which  God  visits  a  neglect  or  maltreatment  of  his  public  ser- 
vants. After  two  years  Elder  Grant  removed,  and  they  were  desti- 
tute of  an  undershepherd  till  the  spring  of  1844,  when  a  young  man 
fell  among  them,  Br.  George  W.  Freeman,  whose  services  they  secured, 
and  who  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church  on  the  19th  of  June, 
1844.  He  sustained  this  relation  for  about  three  years,  when  he  re- 
moved to  Fort  Edward,  N.  Y.,  in  April,  184'7.  Elder  F.  found  about 
60  members  in  the  church,  baptised  10,  and  left  about  75. 

*  '■Uncler  the  ministry  of  Elder  A.  "Wait,  Milo  Frary  was  converted  and  joined 
the  church,  and  afterwards  entered  the  ministry  and  became  eminently  useful  in 
the  churches.  About  that  time  Daniel  Mattefon  was  converted,  joined  the  church, 
and  entcretl  upon  a  course  of  study  in  the  New  Ham])ton  Theological  Institute,  in 
New  llamphsbire.  In  that  Institution,  in  the  neighboring  towns,  and  especially 
In  Sanbornton  and  Meredith,  God  was  with  him,  and  hundreds  were  converted  and 
joined  the  church  through  his  faithful  labors.  He  died  with  his  armor  on  in  Mere- 
dith, N.  IL,  A.  D.  1840."  E  S. 


SEC.  I.]  CHURCHES  :   RUPERT.  285 

Elder  Alfeed  Harvey,  from  Hebron,  N.  Y.,  succeeded  to  the  charge 
of  the  church  ia  1847,  and  continued  two  years.  During  his  pastor- 
ate in  the  fall  of  1848,  he  baptised  nine  converts,  as  the  result  of  a 
meeting  of  several  days  duration,  in  the  busy  season  of  corn  harvest. 
Elder  H.  was  assisted  in  the  labors  of  this  meeting  by  a  number  of 
his  ministering  brethren  in  other  churches  around.  He  left  82  mem- 
bers when  he  removed  to  Westerlo,  N.  Y.,  in  June,  1849.  In  June, 
1848,  this  chm'ch  first  united  with  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  at  its 
session  in  Manchester.  It  had  been  connected  with  the  Vermont, 
till  1818,  when  it  became  a  member  of  the  newly  formed  Manchester 
Association,  where  it  continued  till  that  body  was  dissolved  in  1830. 
It  7ie.rt  joined  the  Washington  Association  in  1830,  during  Elder 
Wait's  pastorate;  and  still  later,  in  1835,  with  other  churches  of  the 
Washington  and  Bottskill  Associations,  was  merged  into  the  Wash- 
ington Union. 

From  April  1849,  Elder  Nelson  Cowhs  served  as  pastor  one  year  , 
The  Shaftsbury  Association  met  this  year  with  them,  though  but 
poorly  attended,  from  the  unfavorable  place  of  meeting,  in  the  re 
mote  and  isolated  corner  of  Bennington  county,  in  which  this  church 
is  situated.  Elder  Combs  removed  in  1 850  to  Saratoga  county,  and 
for  six  months  of  the  year  1860,  Elder  Daniel  Eldridge,  of  Salem, 
was  their  supply ;  since  which,  until  the  spring  of  1852,  they  have 
been  mostly  without  the  Word  and  ordinances  of  Christ's  house 
among  them.  But  once  more  the  Lord  has  remembered  them,  and 
called  a  man  from  his  shop  (Br.  Chas.  Coon,)  and  sent  him  to  break 
to  their  souls  the  bread  of  life,  and  we  hope  "  to  strengthen  the 
things  that  remained,  that  were  ready  to  die  "  among  them.*  Their 
last  reported  number  in  1853,  was  75. 

From  the  frst,  the  following  brethren  have  served  the  church  as 
clerks :  Roswell  Flower,  John  A.  Waldo,  Seeley  Sherman,  Seeley  M. 
Sherman,  Joseph  Parker,  Josiah  Sherman,  Richard  Brown,  Sterling 
Sherman  and  Squire  R.  Sherman.  The  names  of  the  Deacons  are 
not  given  us.  We  find,  however,  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Association 
among  the  Messengers,  the  following  Deacons  :  Asa  Nurse  and  Daniel 
Waldo,  in  1809;  Dea.  R.  Flower,  in  1820;  and  Deas.  Flower  and 
D.  Waldo,  in  1823.  And  in  1825,  Dea.  Wm.  Scott  is  joined  with  the 
last  two,  and  in  1845  Dea.  E.  Philips,  and  in  1850,  David  Thompson. 
These  are  all  we  find,  si.x  different  names. 

Thus  in  the  period  of  49  years  this  church  has  experienced  many 
vicissitudes.  It  has  seen  the  glory  of  God  in  the  salvation  of  souls, 
and  shared  in  the  afflictions  common  to  Zion  in  this  world.  Amidst 
coldness,  trials  and  divisions,  haviug  obtained  help  of  God,  it  con- 
tinues to  this  day,  a  sister  church  in  the  militant  state.  May  the 
brethren  who  compose  it,  renew  their  strength  by  frequent  waitmg 
on-  the  Lord,  and  double  their  diligence  in  their  interesting  field  of 
labor,  until  they  see  the  salvation  of  God  once  more  in  their  midst. 

*  la  the  summer  of  1852  a  season  of  refreshing  was  enjoyed,  and  10  added  by 
baptism. 

13* 


28^  sHAFTSBURy  ■AssociATio>r.  [appendix. 

Their  location  in  a  fertile  valley  on  tbe  line  of  the  Washington  and 
Rutland  railroad;  the  wealth  of  the  church  and  community  ;  the 
goodly  number  of  their  members;  the  gifts  they  possess  in  Zion; 
with  a  comfortable  house  of  worshjp,  free  from  debt,  and  the  exceed- 
ing great  and  precious  promises  of  God  iu  their  ftivor — and  why 
should  not  this  church  live  and  prosper  ?  United  in  their  counsels 
and  efforts  to  sustain  a  constant  ministry  of  the  Gospel  among  them, 
and  with  an  enterprise  and  liberality  in  religious  things,  such  as  they 
manifest  iu  the  pursuits  of  this  life, — and  we  think  the  Baptist  church 
in  Rupert  might  again  be,  what  it  once  was,  in  the  palmy  days  of  its 
existence — a  strong,  self-sustaining  church,  shooting  its  fruitful 
boughs  over  the  mountain  walls,  that  rise  toward  Heaven,  on  either 
Bide  of  their  beautiful  valley,  along  which  the  iron-horse  now  rushes 
daily  to  and  from  the  marts  of  trade  and  business.  May  it  soon  be. 
And  may  the  future  history  of  this  church  furnish  br'ujhter  illustra- 
tions of  the  faithfulness  of  a  covenant  keeping  God,  to  all  who  ven- 
ture upon  his  word,  and  trust  in  him  with  all  the  heart,  than  even  the 
past  has  furnihhed. 


VII.  SKETCH  OF  THE  SHAFTSBURY  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Baptist  Church  in  Shaftsbury  formerly  denominated  the  4th  ; 
afterwards,  for  a  season  the  3d,  and  since  1844,  the  only  church  in 
town,  was  constituted  in  Bennington  on  the  19th  of  August  1783. 
The  articles  of  faith  and  church  covenant  which  appear  among  the 
papers  of  the  chm'ch,  are  subscribed  by  twenty  four  members  in  1787, 
and  are  very  similar  to  those  which  the  church  now  recognize  as 
theirs,  and  which  are  contained  in  their  printed  rules. 

Although  the  records  of  the  first  formation  of  the  church,  and  its 
proceedings  for  several  years  are  very  incomplete,  still  enough  is  re- 
corded to  show  the  views  which  these  fathers  and  mothers  in  Israel  en- 
tertained at  that  early  day  in  respect  to  some  leading  and  important 
parts  of  church  discipline,  to  wit :  'That  persons  not  baptised  accor- 
ding to  the  Scripture  example,  should  not  be  admitted  to  the  com- 
munion. That  no  trespass  or  offence  committed  by  any  member  shall 
be  brought  into  the  church  without  evidence  to  prove  the  fact,  nor 
without  the  private  steps  of  labour  first  taken.  That  every  member 
is  bound  by  the  laws  of  Christ  to  attend  the  meetings  of  th«  church 
except  for  some  reasonable  excuse.  And  that  no  brother  should  go  to 
law  with  brother.' 

It  appears  by  the  records  that  the  meetings  of  the  church  were  hpl- 
den  in  Bennington  until  January  KJth  1785,  after  which  time  the  cen- 
tre of  Shaftsbury  appears  to  have  been  their  place  of  meeting,  and 
Elder  Amos  Burrows  was,  at  this  time  preaching  for  the  church,  and 
80  continued  until  after  the  first  meeting  house  was  erected  in  1786. 
During  this  year  a  very  extensive  revival  of  religion  was  enjoyed.  It 
appeared  as  if  the   Lord  approved  the  pious  design  of  his  people  in 


SEC.  I.]  CHURCHES  :   SHAFTSBURV.  287 

erecting  a  house  for  his  worship  in  this  then  newly  settled  country 
and  poured  out  his  spirit  upon  them  even  before  their  house  was  com- 
pleted, and  a  number  of  valuable  members  were  at  this  time  added 
who  were  afterwards  pillars  of  the  church. 

The  meeting-house  finished,  the  revival  past,  now  came  a  scene  of 
trial.  Elder  Burrows  who  had  been  preaching  for  some  time  in  town, 
was  a  man  of  ardent  temperament,  but  somewhat  periodical  in  his  re- 
ligious feelings,  and  seemed  better  calculated  to  enlist  the  feelings 
and  kindle  the  passions  than  to  instruct  his  hearers  in  the  doctrines 
and  duties  of  Christianity.  He  had  ardent  friends  in  the  church  whose 
views  and  tastes  corresponded  with  his  own,  who  wished  that  he 
might  be  settled  for  their  pastor.  Whilst  others  looked  for  other  gifts 
and  qualifications  to  unite  in  the  man  whom  they  should  place  in 
charge  of  the  church,  as  its  pastor  and  teacher.  After  patient  waiting 
and  the  exercise  of  mutual  christi.in  love  and  forbearance,  Elder  Caleb 
Blood  was  settled  as  the  first  pastor  of  the  church  in  1*788. 

In  1794  this  chm'ch  enjoyed  another  revival  season  in  which  thirty 
five  were  added  to  their  number.  But  the  most  extensive  revival, 
ever  enjoyed  by  this  church,  and  commonly  referred  to  as  the 
"great  reformation,"  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1798  and  con- 
tinued nearly  a  year.  During  this  revival  one  hundred  and  seven- 
ty five  were  added  to  the  church.*  Of  this  number  however,  about 
twenty  who  had  sustained  a  relation  together  as  the  Salisbury  church, 
in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  dissolved  that  connection  and  united 
with  this  church.  So  that  subsequent  to  this  period  this  church 
was  usually  denommated  the  Third,  instead  of  the  Fourth  church, 
as  heretofore.! 

Elder  Blood  continued  his  connection  with  this  church  as  their  pas- 
tor until  April  1807,  a  period  of  nearly  twenty  years.  Owing  to  the 
destitutson  of  Baptist  ministers  in  this  region  at  that  time,  and  owing 
to  his  long  and  justly  established  character  as  a  succesful  minister  of 
the  gospel,  "  whose  fame  was  in  all  the  churches,"  he  was  so  frequently 
called  upon  to  attend  public  meetings,  councils,  associations,  ordina- 
tions, and  funerals,  that  it  took  much  of  his  time  and  his  people  felt 
the  loss.  Several  circumstances  conspired  to  fix  his  mind  upon  a  re- 
moval. Years  had  passed  without  any  special  work  of  grace  under 
his  ministry.  His  congregation  had  been  thinned  by  death  and  re- 
movals, and  frequenr  and  urgent  solicitations  were  made  to  him  for 
his  services  in  other  places.  He  removed  from  this  place  to  Boston, 
thence  two  years  afterwards,  to  Portland,  Me.,  at  which  place  this  ven- 
erable man  closed  his  eyes  on  all  earthly  scenes. 

As  much  of  the  history  of  this  church  is  identified  with  the  history 
of  this  father  in  Israel,  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  recal  to  mind  some 
traits  of  character  witii  which  he  was  endowed.  Never  having  en- 
joyed the  advantages  of  an  early  education,  yet  possessed  of  a  strong 
intellect,  of  good  sense  and  sound  judgment  accompanied  with  an  un- 

*  See  an  acconnt  of  th'S  work  in  Elder  Bloods  letter,  page  59-60  of  this  work. 
+  It  is  called  the  4th  church  generally  in  the  minutes,  till  1818. 


288  SHAFTSBtJRV  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

yielding  resolution,  he  gained  that  degree  of  general  information, 
■which  rendered  his  society  agreeable  and  interesting  ;  he  was  justly 
esteemed  a  safe  and  valuable  counsellor,  and  an  able  minister  of  the 
New  Testament. 

He  was  a  plain  preacher.  Having  clear  conceptions  of  Divine 
truth  himself,  he  set  it  forth  before  his  audience  without  disguise  or 
ambiguity.  He  was  powerful  too,  as  well  as  plain.  In  his  manner 
he  was  earnest,  testifying  to  the  truth  like  a  witness  for  God,  deeply 
impressed  with  its  reality  and  importance. 

Upon  the  dismission  of  Elder  Blocd,  the  church  made  application 
to  Elder  Isaiah  Mattison  of  the  west  church,  and  obtained  his  services 
for  one  half  the  time,  he  preaching  every  other  sabbath  for  this  church 
and  continuing  his  connection  with  the  first  church  as  their  pastor. 
This  arrangment  continued  with  Elder  Mattison  and  the  1st  church 
for  nearly    nineteen  years,  until   the  1st  of  January,  1826. 

During  the  ministry  of  Elder  Mattison,  two  revivals  of  religion 
■were  enjoyed,  one  in  1810-11,  in  which  about  100  members  were  ad- 
ded, and  one  in  1817,  in  which  20  were  added. 

Since  the  close  of  Elder  Mattison's  labors,  several  pastors  have,  for 
short  periods,  had  charge  of  this  church.  Elder  Daniel  Tinkham  for 
one  year,  and  Elder  Cyrus  W.  Hodges  for  four  years  ending  in  the 
spring  of  1833  ;  during  which  time  two  revivals  were  witnessed,  one 
in  1829  in  which  32  were  added;  the  other,  in  1831  in  which 41  were 
added.  The  consistent  piety  of  this  devoted  servant  of  Christ,  together 
■with  his  amiable  deportment,  sweetness  of  temper,  and  meekness  of 
mind,  greatly  endeared  him  to  the  people  of  his  charge,  especially  to 
those  who  by  the  Divine  blessing,  bad  become  the  subjects  of  grace 
under  his  ministry. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1833  this  church  was  visited  by  Elder  Warhara 
Walker,  who  was  subsequently  employed  as  pastor,  and  sustained 
that  relation  to  the  church  untd  the  Spring  of  1838  about  four  and  a 
half  years: — during  which  time  23  were  added  as  the  fruits  of  a  re- 
vival in  1834.  Elder  Harman  Ellis  succeeded  Elder  Walker  and 
remained  one  year. 

In  the  month  of  January,  1839,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  subject  of  holding  a  series  of  religious 
meetings,  and  in  their  discretion,  to  employ  suitable  gifts  in  aid  of 
such  meetings.  This  led  to  an  acquaintance  with  Elder  Joseph  W. 
Sawyer,  who  came  at  the  request  of  said  committee  to  labor  for  the 
church.  These  labors  proved  successful,  and  with  the  blessing  of 
God,  resulted  in  the  addition  to  the  church,  of  50  members.  Elder 
Sawyer  was  employed  as  the  pastor  of  the  church,  and  so  continued 
for  five  years.  In  the  autumn  of  1842,  and  winter  and  spring  of 
1843,  a  very  interesting  work  of  grace  was  enjoyed  by  this  church, 
and  one  hundred  were  added  to  its  number.  Several  united  who 
had  been  members  of  the  Second  church,  and  as  the  Second  church 
have  held  ho  meetings  since,  it  may  be  considered  as  virtually  dis- 
solved. 

Elder  Sawyer  was  succeeded  by  Elier  Israel  Keach,  ia  the  spring 
of  1845,  who  remained  with  the  church  as  their  pastor  for  three 


SEC.  I.]  CHURCHES  :    SHAFTSBURY.  289 

years;  and  in  the  summer  of  1841,  Elder  Lansing  Bailey  was  em- 
ployed as  pastor,  and  remained  as  such  until  April,  1851.  During 
the  autumn  of  1849,  25  new  members  were  added  as  the  result  of  a 
series  of  meetings,  held  by  Elder  Isaac  Wescott. 

This  church  erected  a  neat  and  commodious  house  of  worship  in 
1846.*  Their  present  number  of  members,  as  returned  to  the  asso- 
ciation in  1852,  is  170. 

The  large  numbers  which  have  united  with  this  church  during  so 
many  successive  seasons  of  revival,  have  been  principally  dismissed, 
as  a  consequence  of  emigration  to  the  west,  where  many  of  them 
have  already,  and  do  now,  fill  important  stations  in  the  Zion  of  God 


The  foregoing  sketch  was  prepared  by  Hon.  Nathan  H.  Bot- 
tom, (for  many  years  clerk  of  this  Shaftsbury  church,)  in  June, 
1852.  It  might  be  added  that  Elder  Arthur  Day  succeeded  Elder 
Bailey  in  the  care  of  the  church,  and  remains  in  that  relation  The 
association  has  just  held  its  73rd  anniversary  with  this  ancient  church, 
now  left  alone  of  the  four  Baptist  churches  once  known  in  the  town 
of  Shaftsbury.  And  in  this  connection  it  may  be  appropriate  to  give 
a  brief  account  of  the  First  and  Second,  or  as  they  were  called  on 
the  minutes  for  some  years,  the  West  and  £ast  Baptist  chm-ches  in 
Shaftsbury. 

The  Jirst  or  loest  church  was  not  only  the  earliest  Baptist  church 
in  town,  but  in  all  the  region,  having  been  constituted  in  the  year 
1768,  and  had  its  centre  of  operations  and  field  of  labor  also  in  the 
southwest  portion  of  the  town,  taking  in  some  of  the  towns  of  Ben- 
nington and  Hoosick  in  its  domain.  We  know  little  of  its  history 
and  struggles  for  the  first  twenty  years,  during  the  scenes  that  pre- 
ceded and  followed  the  war  of  our  revolution,  nor  can  we  say  much 
of  its  progress  till  after  the  year  1800.  It  was  one  of  the  original 
churches  in  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  and  the  Jirst,  and  some  of 
the  earlier  meetings  of  the  body  were  held  with  it.  According  to 
the  minutes  of  the  association,  there  were  45  members  in  standing  in 
1786.  It  did  not  make  returns  every  year  ;  but  we  perceive  by 
those  that  were  made,  that  the  membership  declined  to  less  than  30 
in  1798,  there  being  no  settled  Pastor  among  them.  A  licentiate 
named  Cyprian  Downer  was  helpful  by  his  labors,  in  keeping  them 
from  entire  dissolution  ;  as  also  were  the  labors  of  another  Brother 
usually  denominated  Deacon  Gideon  Slye. 

In  the  year  1798-9  this  church  shared  in  the  great  reformation, 
with  Elder  Blood's  people,  and  73  were  added  to  their  number,  ma- 
king them  nearly  one  hundred  strong.  In  1801-2  they  had  a  Pastor 
in  the  person  of  Elder  Andrew  Harpending,  but  his  labors  did  not 
eeem  to  have  been  of  much  service  to  them.  But  in  1803,  one  of  their 
own  number,  born,  reared,  converted  and  baptised  among  them,  waa 
called  forward  to  public  service,  and  in  November  of  that  year  he 
was  ordained  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  his  native  church,  at  the  age 

*  Thev  rebuilt  their  former  house  on  the  old  site.— CosfPii.KE. 


290  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

of  23  and  a  half  years.  In  the  year  1807  this  church  reported  19 
additions  ;  in  1811,  33  more  ;  and  from  that  onward  till  1825,  a  few 
scattering  drops  fell  upon  their  soil,  to  encourage  the  fainting  laborers. 
Yet  with  their  Pastor's  labor  only  one  half  the  time  from  1B07,  there 
was  a  gradual  decrease  of  their  number  from  136,  until  in  the  year 
1824,  they  reported  only  05  members  in  standing. 

But  in  1825  they  went  up  to  the  association,  rejoicing  over  some 
35  accessions  to  their  number;  and  in  1827,  they  reported  o^ar forty 
more,  making  a  total  of  130,  after  dismissing  15  during  the  year  pre- 
vious. In  1831-4  during  three  years,  they  received  71  by  baptism 
and  a  few  by  letter,  raising  their  total  membership  to  182.  Again, 
in  1839,  they  reported  32  baptised  ;  and  m  1843,  17  more,  which  was 
the  last  revival  they  ever  enjoyed.  During  the  long  period  of  forty 
years  had  their  own  Pastor,  Elder  Mattison  led  them  into  the  pastures 
of  grace,  and  been  their  spiritual  guide  and  counsellor.  He  was  in 
fact,  the  only  Pastor  the  church  ever  really  enjoyed  All  others  had 
been  mere  transient  helps  for  a  brief  period,  and  then  they  were  gone. 
But  this  Pastorate  endured  until  indeed  its  incumbent  had  well  nigh 
worn  himself  out  in  the  service  of  this  single  church,  and  the  fourth 
church  for  awhile,  one  half  of  the  time.  As  we  have  stated  in  the 
sketch  of  the  2d  Bennington  church,  this  body  became  entangled  in 
difficulties  and  dissolved  its  organization  in  1844,  after  having  existed 
as  an  independent  body  for  about  seventy-six  years.  Some  of  its  mem- 
bers yet  remain  in  the  vicinity  and  out  of  connection  with  any  church. 

Concerning  the  second  or  east  Shaftsbury  Baptist  church  the  follow- 
ing items  may  be  of  some  interest,  gleaned  up  from  the  wreck  of  ma- 
terials that  once  existed  respecting  this  chm-cli  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  It  was  situated  in  the  northern,  or  northeastern  portion  of 
the  town,  in  a  locality  called  Maplehill ;  and  sometimes  called  the 
Rhode  Island  church,  because,  if  we  understand  rightly,  many  of  the 
earlier  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  town  came  from  the  State  of  Rhode 
Island. 

This  church  was  constituted  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Mattison,  (father 
of  Elder  Mattison)  in  the  south  west  part  of  the  town,  June  29th, 
1780,  as  the  records  testify,  yet  extant  in  the  possession  of  a  Brotlier 
Jared  Mattison  in  the  north  part  of  the  town.  The  constituent  mem- 
bers were  said  to  be  "  some  of  the  Brethren  of  the  first  ohurch,  with 
others  living  in  the  north  part  of  the  town." 

This  church  also  was  one  of  the  constituent  members  of  the  associa- 
tion. In  1786,  they  reported  34  members  in  standing.  They  seem 
not  to  have  had  an  ordained  minister  as  their  Pastor  at  all,  till  the 
year  1827.  They  never  had  a  house  of  Avorship  of  their  own,  and 
hence  could  not  well  sustain  a  Pastor  in  his  labors.  But  with  the  aid 
of  Brother  Downer  and  Deacon  Slye,  with  the  occasional  help  of 
neighboring  ministers,  they  maintained  their  visibility  for  more  than 
45  years  without  a  settled  pastor.  An  i  in  the  year  1799,  this  church 
shared  in  the  great  work  of  grace  that  blessed  the  town,  and  add 
ed  fifteen  to  their  number,  making  36  in  fellowship  amonj  them.  No 
returns  were  made  to  the  association  from  this  church  for  20  years, 
from  1807  to  1827.     At  this  last  date,  they  reunited  with  the  body 


SEC.  I.]  churches:  shaftsbury.  291 

reporting  tlie  name  of  Elder  Daniel  A.  Cobb  as  their  Pastor,  and 
a  membership  of  65,  having  evidently  been  refreshed  and  strengthen- 
ed by  a  revival  of  religion,  as  the  1st  church  had  been  that  year,  El- 
der Cobb,  left  them  in  1830,  and  ■v\-e  next  find  the  name  of  Elder 
Robert  R.  Bennett  among  them  as  Pastor,  from  1832  to  1835,  and 
again  in  1838.  In  1831  they  enjoyed  a  revival  again,  and  reported 
24  baptised  in  1832,  with  a  total  of  64  members.  Again  in  1838-9  a 
few  more  were  baptised,  while  the  central  church  was  sharing  a  bless- 
ing ;  but  their  numbers  diminished  until  1841,  they  were  dropped 
from  the  minutes  of  the  association  ;*  and  have  ceased  from  that  time 
to  be  counted  a  church  in  gospel  order.  And  since  they  have  no 
house  of  worship,  and  are  too  weak  to  maintain  a  Pastor,  why  should 
not  the  scattered  remnant  of  this  little  church  find  a  home  and  privi- 
leges among  their  Brethren  at  the  center  of  the  town  ?  Thus  might 
all  be  benefitted,  and  the  general  cause  of  religion  in  the  town  be  pro- 
moted. 

Having  completed  our  design  in  sketching  a  brief  account  of  the 
leading  facts  in  the  history  of  each  of  the  churches  yet  remaining  in 
the  body,  or  recently  in  it,f  we  shall  close  this  first  section  of  the 
Appendix,  with  a  tabular  view  of  all  the  churches  that  have  ever  be- 
longed to  this  association  from  the  beginning  to  the  number  of  83. 
This  table  is  so  arranged  as  to  show  the  location  of  each  church,  the 
date  of  its  constitution  according  to  the  best  authorities  attained,  the 
date  of  its  union  to,  and  the  departure /rom  the  body  ;  with  the  num- 
ber of  years  it  was  connected,  and  the  present  connection  of  each 
church,  unless  extinct.  Some  of  Ihese  churches  bore  different  names 
at  various  times  which  will  be  explained  in  notes  at  the  close  of  the 
table. 

*  See  page  221  of  this  work. 

t  "When  thl3  work  was  first  commenced,  the  Rupert  church  was  a  member  of  the 
association,  and  as  the  compiler  had  troubled  a  brother  for  the  materials  of  a 
sketch  of  said  church,  he  has  inserted  it. 


292 


SIIAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


O 


"^  rs 


•  S         ^ 


cj    • 


nj  -a 
o   o 

4>  m   5   b 


^  9 


S-a  J 


n  .  -  n 
^  3  ^ 


M  ?„  =; 


bc-^   g  0:5   C 


«    55    9 


ir-llOi— IC2Olfflt-00(35 


(MrtOt-i-^ascooi-i 

COCX)COOOOOt-000000 


lOOsift<M(MOO<MOOt- 
(M050COCOI— ICOr-l    — 

cot-oooooocoooooco 


''So 
«  a  o 


O"— 'Or-H{MOs05050iMTj<OOCOCTi05i— lOOiOOOO 
oocxjcocoooi—  Jr-t-oooooot-t-ir-t-oooot-r-ir- 


GOi-cOSl  i-ia5r-(Tj<t--*COTi(C-1COCOCOiOO>-l 


1^ 


6  S  o 


•73    c3  '    "^    cJ 


g^     t>     S2; 


eS     . 

'13^ 

=S    5! 

s 

P   o 

,g 

CJbH 

o 

O 

O 

53  T3 

.    ^ 

c< 

&;?:iS 

i-^M  g 


cs  —  I,  %-  a 
I,  o  ca  o  o 

Eh  O  »}  pq  cq 


f  c     -15 
>^  o  S . 


c4    O    0) 

HOW 


g 
—rlS 


<j  <ij  -aj  <j 

rt   C^   CO   -* 


iO«*C-OCOO"C<«COT}<vOtD£-00"a5 


SEC.  I.]  CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS.  293 


£P      .S        la  .S     -s  o      s   ..S;  ^ 


r-        .S    o  _  ?    P 


i"-SsPq 


S  ."  5  2"    '  d  -5  «•  ?  S  ?^  !.-§«  S  93  S^-S 


be' 


rtOi 


ea  Efa  g;  Q  T;  !Z)  tg  p3  g       W  «}  M 

C^  COf-H  CO  1— l-Hi-HrH  T-ir-li-H'^CO'-t 


— '»0-^00-t*T^<<Mu3>OOCiCCOC:iO-*OOi.'5)OOel^(M  >r5rO         OUSl-J 

i-iocd  —  aiOlcOOiOOOOOOOsOOOCOOtlr-r,^  OtM         ooco 

oooooCGOir-i—  oot-ooaooooooooot-oooocjoooaococo  oooo  coooco 
va-T'Ooo— •C5-*<coO!MC'ioo  —  oo<MOOOGOco(^l•-lcs•^co•^t~•r— 
OtDOir-oi— t— cOGOO-^'^OO-tioiaO'Oir^c^r—  iQ  i:~  -*  r-i  ot  lo  .o 
oooi05oa3iocoo5r-cac5aiO>z^aO£--ooo50oc^05QO  c^ovdcs^o 
1— r^ir^QOr^i^-r-ir^ir-t^ir-t^i^oor^ir^ir^t^r-ir^t— i:-  xr^oot^t^r^X 


0)      . 


"^  2  •^'~  =£  -'^"  » -^  tf-  -i>r  ri<r 


tjJXOcSObHlibHOOOOOOo^fcHOOCUliOOOcbHOO 


*»-,cSL-t.    =    aj^oS  ta-'^b-         «         «^         aria's 


"S       3       a"     -«-      ^-  kT 'S  2 .32  ?  "2  iJ  .2    ,         'c  a  H 

I  c^    '■§  -  i .=  r-  g'=  '^  =  ^ ^'-g'^ ^ -I ^ .2  «      g f^ S 


-<.^  c!2; 


o^<Nco-*ioor-ooc50i—  eieOT)<vooi:~coc;o.— 1       c>oOTt<»coj:- 


»^    .^    r^ 


294 


EHAFTSBURV  ASSOCIATION. 


appendix- 


Pi 


<^   ::^ 

ff  '-*        o   <u 
I   fl     •'^--    ^ 

3  tj  <y  "5  _,  ^ 

-<  -^  ti  -H  rf  t- 
3   »   «   a> 

Qa  oca 


73  M 


O  U  O 
m  C  -^ 
-g  •  —    c9 

UJ  StJ  7? 


.  d 


P5 


-M  -O    03  TJ  -3 


.3.3 


«  »  9 


1-1  03  lO  ■*  t-      ■* 


OrJlCOr-lOOJOO-^O 
^  TjfCOi— 11— 1T)<1— ISO'"* 


(Mt-L01:~t-00COlO"O»O 

coC5CT>32'— ia»c<ooC)0 

QOt-t-t—  OOi—  COOOGOOO 


1— it-0>0'OTl<'?lTj<-XiO 
COOOOOCOQOOOOOCOOOOO 


5  a 


(M03— 'Tjii— imr-(Mi:-iMiocoooioO'-""*^iMi-ir-it- 

C^000503'-H0000205020>05-«ti0005050500lMCOOOC» 

oor— ir-r-oot^tat-t-t-r— r— oot-t— t-r-t-cojr-c-oo 


O    H    H 


(Mt— lOOi— it-ooo       olCT>coo^^-ooo50><x><^^«Dao 


o...cja.=^...ci--a.®--.a. 
'O-a'OO   oj-o'^-o-0'T3   5-0    rt-a        'OT3-a   d'O 


i:S4:3^j 


bo 


60 

;  .S  o- 


CdQ 


iT-o  a 

O)    03  O 

(B  <K  q    ■ 

t"  aj  a  'o 

oxi  a 

QJ    O  O) 


UJ  >..  M^  V4  -.?       \.y       '.^ 

CO      CQ      CQ     w      Pimm 


No. 


=  a  2  S 

&.  S  d  a 

g  P     (U     Oi 

_0  o  -o  13 


•Jim 


'Q  3  a 


^.2  o 


?  3  g  >  5^2-3  a 


'^'T-  Ttiijs'^  •,-"•-"  ■-■  *"  fc  ii^oj  CO  -;  03  •-'  2ja,a 


(7)  !2;  Z  Is  o  cu      ^  (M  _  cj  P-,  Qj  _ 


■CO..^>niOuocow;Dc(><Oe&eO^ 


SEC.  I.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


295 


feCdl 


■^■5,0  .2 

2  -"^  a 

I  PS  a  g ':: «  -s 

o  _-   o    =   <J  h      CS 


OOJr-OOOOQOOOt-OOQDCCt-ir-OOJr-OOOOOO 


05«oiMooi:-i-iO>-iooto-<*i»o»oe»— 'Ojoco 

CCO-1010-C~OOOCS—  OOCOOO(MOOOiC5  — 


00  C^CiOaOOOOOi—  ^O500CX3C^r-  CS-— • 

1:-       £-t-J::-r-r-r-oOQOt-t-ir-ooi^-       t-  cc 


^ 


.  «3 


m  ^ 


C  ^    fl 


c  M  d  "^  ^ 
«  ci   S        a> 


3    i;    OS  S  *^'  ==>    S 

I  ^     .        Es   C   I   ^ 

cS    0)   CIh        c;    qp   c^    o) 


o 

aT 

S 

O 

<u 

.^ 

O 

a> 

^ 

,2 

Tl 

Of 

r1 

r1 

a 

T) 

a 

c 

a 

<l> 

-fc= 

C 

11 

CO  pa 

-3 

Benui 

Sarat 
Berks 
Renss 

Talbo 
Reuse 
Rutla 
Berks 

-a 

it 

a>  —J-    -      .id 

-  "S  ?  -^  5  •::  ^  72  d  ^  -S,  bp^  Q 


'^cca3rca}a2K!aiHE-'r^>P-r'!> 


296  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION,  [APPENDIX. 


EXPLANATORY  REMARKS. 


The  following  remarks  may  be  necessary  to  explain  the  forego- 
ing table,  and  show  the  different  names  which  some  of  the  clmrches 
have  borne  at  different  periods  of  their  history.  As  is  seen,  more 
than  80  churches  have  found  their  home  around  the  hearth-stone  of 
our  Old  Shaftsbury  mother,  some  dozen  of  which  have  become  ex- 
tinct, while  others  have  changed  their  names.  Those  in  small  capi- 
tals are  yet  in  the  body.  Those  that  have  borne  various  names  are 
the  following:  the  Ausierliiz  was  called  New  Britain  till  1793,  then 
1  Canaan  till  1821.  The  Ballston  Spa  was  called  2nd  Milton  till  1802. 
-  Berlin,  vrns  called  Little  Hoosick  till  1792,  then  Stephentown  till 
1800,  then  Stephentown  and  Petersburgh  till  1806,  and  since  then 
Berlin.  Boitskill  bore  the  cognomen  of  Battenkila  at  first,  (often 
called  Union  Village,)  and  is  the  oldest  church  of  three  in  the  town 
of  Greenwich,  "Washington  county,  N.  Y.  Broadalbin  was  called 
Mayfield  till  1806.  Canaan  1st,  was  called  2nd  Canaan  till  1821,  and 
the  same  is  now  known  (since  1846)  as  the  Flatbrook  church  in  the 
Berkshire  Association.  The  2nd  Canaan  was  the  3rd  Canaan  till  the 
year  1821.  The  \f.t  Cheshire  vi&s  called  Adams  till  1794.  The  3ri 
Cheshire  became  the  second,  when  the  six  principle  churches  bec-ime 
extinct  in  1806-7.  The  Chester  church  was  called  Thurman  till  1600. 
The  Ist  Dover  was  Pawlington  for  many  years.  Egremont  was  called 
Great  Barrington  till  1811.  The  Galway  churches  were  called  Gal- 
loway or  New  Galloway  at  first.  Greenfield  2nd  was  once  the  third, 
till  the  old  second  church  was  dissolved  in  1822.  Hadley  became  the 
Corinth  in  1819,  and  is  now  extinct  we  believe.  The  \st  Hartford 
was  called  We-tfield  till  1794.  The  2nd  Hartford  has  become  the 
Adamsville  in  late  years,  made  up  of  the  fragments  however  of  two 
or  three  churches.  The  Hinsdale  wrs  called  Partridgefield  till  1807, 
then  Peru  till  1810.  Hoosick  was  called  Mapletown  till  1811.  The 
1st  Nassau  was  called  Philipstown  till  1809.  The  Niiie  Partners 
was  called  Great  Nine  Partners  till  1792.  Aorih  Hast,  was  North- 
eastown  till  179.''>.  Moreau,  was  3rd  Saratoga  till  1799,  then  called 
Northumberland  till  1805,  (as  we  suppose,)  and  now  Moreau.  The 
Providence  church  was  formed  by  the  union  of  the  first  and  second 
Providence  churches  in  18'^],  which  had  been  called  3rd  and  4th  Gal- 
way till  1796.  The  1st  Savoy  was  called  Bullock's  Grant  till  1798. 
Schuyltrsville  WHS  called  1st  Saratoga  till  1836.  Saratoga  Springs 
was  2nd  Saratoga  till  1820.  Schodack  was  called  New  Bethlehem 
till  1799.  The  \st  and  2nd  Shaftsbury  churches  were  called  East  and 
West  Shaftsbury  till  1793,  and  the  present  Shaftsbury  was  called  the 
4th  till  1819,  when  it  became  the  3rd:  it  has  often  been  called  the 
centre  church.  Stephentown  was  called  the  2d  church  till  1 804.  The 
While  Creek  was  called  Cambridge  till  1817.  These  explanations 
may  suffice  as  to  various  names  of  single  churches.  A  few  churches 
united  with  the  association  for  a  few  years,  that  were  never  repre- 
sented more  than  a  year  or  two,  and  then  disappeared  from  the  min- 
utes. Of  this  class  wf  re  Ballston  in  1797  to  1801,  with  50  members, 
but  no  returns  after  the  first  year.  Another  was  the  Granville,  from 
1797  to  1801,  with  18  members,  but  no  returns  again  from  them. 


SEC.  II.J  MINISTERS :   £.  BARBER.  297 


SECTION  II. 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES   OF   A  FEW   DIS- 
TINGUISHED MINISTERS  OF  THE  BODY. 


In  this  section  we  propose  to  give  a  series  of  biographical  sketches 
of  some  of  the  more  useful  and  distinguished  ministers,  whose  labora 
•were  in  connection  with  the  early  history  and  progress  of  this  asso- 
ciation. We  cannot  notice  even  all  that  we  would,  for  want  of  space 
in  our  work,  already  swelled  to  sufficient  size,  and  also  for  want  of 
proper  materials  in  regard  to  some  of  these  worthies  of  a  former 
generation.  Of  course  we  have  selected  the  names  of  the  older 
ministers,  who  have  passed  away  to  their  account  and  reward  in 
another  world  ;  escept  thnt  we  insert  sketches  of  two  or  three  yet 
living,  but  far  advanced  in  years,  who  have  attained  some  distinction 
by  the  fact  that  they  preached  a  life  time,  or  nearly  so,  in  the  same 
church,  and  that,  the  cimrch  with  which  they  first  connected  in  Zion. 

For  surely  it  is  no  mean  distinction  for  a  minister,  in  these  times  of 
change,  to  have  retained  the  same  pastoral  connection  for  thirti4  or 
fortji  years,  and  among  the  same  people  where  he  was  bred,  and  first 
professed  the  name  of  Jesus.  It  is  a  remarkable  exception  to  the 
truth  of  the  proverb,  "  A  prophet  is  not  without  honor,  save  in  his 
own  country,  and  in  his  own  house."     (Matt.  13  :  57.) 


I.  EDWARD  BARBER,  OF  GREENWICH,  N.  Y. 

We  place  at  the  head  of  this  list  of  worthies  the  above  name,  not 
only  because  it  is  deserving,  but  because  it  falls  first,  in  an  alphabeti- 
cal order  of  names.  And  although  Elder  Barber  was  a  member  of 
the  Shaftsbury  At-sociation  but  a  few  years,  he  was  a  frequent  visitor 
and  messenger  from  the  Saratoga  body,  and  therefore  deserves  a  no- 
tice among  the  distinguished  ministers  of  this  association.  We  re- 
gret we  cannot  find  more  ample  materials  for  our  purpose ;  and  the 
more,  as  no  characteristic  sketch  of  him, — except  a  mere  newspaper 
obituary, — has  ever  found  its  way  into  print,  whereby  the  memory  of 


298  SIIAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [aPPENDIX. 

his  public  virtues  and  pulpit  talents,  as  well  as  his  private  worth,  may 
be  perpetuated  to  the  generations  following.  We  here  design  no 
fuUsome  eulogy  of  him,  but  a  plain  statement  of  the  leading  facts 
respecting  his  public  labors,  with  a  brief  analysis  of  his  character  as 
a  man  and  a  christian  minister. 

He  was  born  September  23,  VlQ8,  in  Exeter,  State  of  Rhode  Island, 
where  also  he  spent  his  early  youth.  He  professed  religion  when 
about  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  soon  began  to  improve  his  gift  in 
public  speaking.  His  first  settlement  in  the  ministry  was  with  the 
Bottskill  Baptist  church  at  Union  Village,  N.  Y.,  at  first  called  Bat- 
tenkill,  from  the  stream  of  water  near  which  its  meeting-house  stood. 
He  came  to  this  people  as  a  licentiate  from  the  Berlin  church,  under 
Elder  Hull's  care,  and  commenced  his  ministry  among  them  the  last 
Lord's  day  in  June,  1794.  On  the  25th  of  September  following,  he 
was  publicly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  in  obedience 
to  the  call  of  the  church,  at  the  age  of  26  years.  His  ordination 
took  place  in  the  open  ah,  we  are  told,  before  the  house  of  a  Brother 
Wm.  Tetft,  (since  called  the  Pohlman  house,)  in  liaston,  one  mile 
southeast  of  the  Baptist  meeting  house  in  Union  Village.  Elder 
Blood,  of  Shaftsbury,  preached  the  sermon,  and  the  occasion  was  one 
of  deep  interest  to  the  church,  as  Elder  Barber's  subsequent  ministry 
proved  vastly  beneficial  to  the  prosperity  of  the  whole  community, 
and  the  cause  of  true  religion  in  that  region  of  country. 

During  a  ministry  of  just  foi'ty  years  with  this  people,  be  enjoyed 
frequent  revival  seasons,  adding  to  the  church  about  100  during  the 
first  six  years  of  his  pastorate.  He  found  them  much  distracted  on 
account  of  the  sad  fail  of  Elder  I'anner,  his  predecessor,  who  had 
been  exclu  led  from  the  church  and  the  ministry.  From  a  member- 
ship of  172  reported  to  the  association  in  1794,  they  gradually  in- 
creased to  2411  in  1799,  when  they  last  reported  their  number  to  this 
association.  A  few  had  been  dismissed,  excluded  and  died  ;  but 
there  was  a  nett  gain  of  nearly  70  members  in  the  brief  space  of 
five  years. 

In  the  revivals  of  succeeding  years  that  blessed  the  churches  of 
that  region,  and  of  the  land  generally,  his  people  shared  largely,  and 
frequent  accessions  were  made  to  the  church.  In  1805  his  church 
united  with  the  Saratoga  Association,  where  he  took  an  active  part 
among  his  brethren  in  the  business  and  devotional  exercises  of  that 
body  for  26  years,  never  being  marked  absent  from  their  meetings  in 
the  whole  of  that  period.  From  the  minutes  of  that  body  we  gather 
that  he  had  a  constant  increase  to  his  church,  rising  from  235  in  1805 
to  547  reported  to  the  association  in  1826.  In  these  22  years  he  en- 
joyed three  considerable  revivals,  in  the  years  18(i9-'ll,  adding  nearly 
sixty  to  his  church;  in  1815-17,  about  26U,  and  in  1824-'26,  some 
40  more,  by  baptism. 

The  revival  of  1815-16  was  a  wonderful  work  of  Divine  grace 
among  his  people,  as  in  many  other  parts  of  our  land.  Concerning 
this  work  we  find  the  following  account  from  his  graphic  pen,  in  a 
letter  to  the  Editors  of  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary  Maga- 
zine. Vol.  IV.,  pages  S56-'7,of  which  the  following  is  an  extract. 


SEC.  II.]  CHURCHES  :    E.  BARBER.  20V 

"  For  four  years  past  there  have  been  but  few  added  to  the  church. 
In  this  time  we  have  endured  the  trials  common  to  the  people  of 
God,  attended  with  a  great  want  of  the  spirit  of  devotion  and  prac 
tical  piety  ;  while  coldness  and  stupidity  have  much  prevailed  among 
the  professors  of  rehgion.  But  for  two  years  past  there  has  been 
more  attention.  Our  public  assemblies  on  the  Lord's  day  have  been 
increased  with  an  apparent  solemnity  on  the  minds  of  many  who 
thus  attended  to  hear  the  word.  The  latter  part  of  summer  there  were 
some  who  appeared  seriously  impressed  ;  and  on  the  28th  of  Septem- 
ber, wie  from  the  Methodist  communion  came  forward  and  gave  a  re- 
lation of  her  experience,  was  received  of  the  church  and  baptised. 
On  the  26th  of  October,  one  other  person  was  baptised.  Both  of 
these  professed  to  have  met  with  a  change  some  years  before.  On 
the  20th  of  January,  1816,  the  work  became  more  visible  ;  several 
persons  gave  a  relation  to  the  church,  and  were  received  as  candi- 
dates for  baptism.  The  day  following  I  baptised  one  of  them,  and 
on  the  2Sth,  Jive  more,  and  February  11th,  two.  From  this  time  the 
work  spread  into  different  parts  of  the  vicinity,  and  went  on  like  the 
work  of  a  God,  against  all  opposition. 

"On  the  25th  of  February  I  baptized  11  ;  March  lOth,  19;  ditto 
I7th,  one ;  ditto  24th,  21 ;  April  7th,  25  ;  ditto  21st,  20;  ditto  28th, 
22;  May  5th,  22;  June  2nd,  24  ;  ditto  9th,  8;  ditto  23rd,  21  ;  July 
7th,  8;  ditto  11th,  2;  ditto  25th,  one ;  and  July  28th,  15  persons. 
Thus  from  the  21st  of  January  to  July  28th,  being  six  months  and 
seven  days,  I  baptised  228 ;  making  in  the  whole,  since  September 
28th,  1815,  to  the  28th  of  this  instant  July,  230.  These  have  all  been 
added  to  the  church. 

"  Although  this  work  has  been  very  powerful  and  rapid,  yet  gener- 
ally it  has  not  been  attended  with  noise  or  confusion.  Very  few  have 
cried  oat  or  made  any  visible  ado  under  their  convictions ;  but  in 
some  instances  they  have  spoken  thcT  joys  aloud  when  the  Lord  de- 
livered them  from  a  guilty  conscience,  and  the  curse  of  the  Divine 
Law.  In  conference  meetings  they  have  generally  spoken  with  great 
calmness  and  deliberation  ;  and  in  giving  their  relations  to  the  church, 
they  have  spoken  with  so  low  a  tone  of  voice  that  the  crowd  of  spec- 
tators have  found  it  difficult  to  hear.  Some  of  all  ages,  from  sixty 
down  to  twelve  years, have  been  baptised  and  received  into  the  church, 
not  any  younger  that  I  know  of,  have  offered  themselves." 

In  another  letter  dated  March  22,  1817,*  he  further  says  of  this 
revival : 

"  God  is  gloriously  carrying  on  his  good  work  in  these  parts ;  al- 
though it  has  subsided  within  our  vicinity,  yet  in  the  following  towns, 
or  at  least  in  some  of  them,  it  is  progressing,  viz.  :  Hartford,  Argyle, 
Kingsbury,  Queensbury,  Fort  Ann,  Granville,  Salem,  and  Cambridge 
or  White  Creek,  all  in  the  county  of  Washington.  According  to  the 
best  information  I  can  get,  about  840  persons  have  professed  religion 
within  a  little  more  than  a  year  past,  in  the  above  towns,  including 
257  added  to  the  church  under  my  pastoral  care.     These  are  the  as- 

♦  See  the'Am.  Baptist  Magazine,  Tol.  I.,  pages  152,  153. 


300  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

tonisliing   doings   of  the   Great  Redeemer   whom  God  hath  exalted 
upon  hie  holy  hill  of  Zion. 

"  Yours  most  affectionately, 

"EDWARD  BARBER." 

This  was  indeed  a  great  work  of  Divine  grace,  the  greatest  in  thie 
church  of  his  whole  ministry.  But  in  1831  his  people  shared  onco 
more  in  the  Divine  favor,  in  a  revival  that  added  186  by  baptism, 
during  the  first  six  or  eight  months  of  that  year.  These  additions  en- 
larged the  church  to  414,  as  reported  to  the  Bottskill  Association. 
And  in  1835,  the  yenr  of  hia  death,  135  more  were  added  by  baptism, 
as  the  result  of  a  meeting  of  days,  conducted  chiefly  by  Elders  I. 
Wescott  and  S.  S.  Parr.  But  in  this  harvest  Elder  Barber  took  little 
part  actively,  though  his  prayers  for  Zion  and  for  souls,  only  ceased 
with  his  latest  breath. 

His  long  pastorate  was  very  profitable  to  this  church,  enlarging 
them  to  more  than  5(J0  members  ;  and  the  old  Bottskill  remains  to 
this  day  one  of  the  strongest  and  most  efficient  village  churches  in  all 
eastern  New  York  ;  and  this,  after  it  has  sent  off  two  colonies  since 
Elder  Barber's  death  ;  one  at  Lakeville  on  the  northeast,  and  the 
other  at  Galesville,  on  the  west.  The  total  membership  in  these  three 
Greenwich  churches  in  1853,  is  about  750.  Among  all  the  older  per- 
sons of  the  town  and  vicinity  who  knew  him,  Elder  Barber's  memory 
is  fragrant  to  this  day.  He  was  the  spiritual  father  of  hundreds  in  the 
town  of  Greenwich  and  the  region  around.  In  his  doctrinal  views,  he 
was  of  the  old  school  ;  but  still  he  was  eminently  practical,  as  he  was 
able,  in  his  pulpit  efforts.  It  miglit  be  said  of  him  in  his  day.  In  labors 
abundarit.  Often  the  chosen  preacher  at  Associations  and  ordinations, 
he  was  heard  with  pleasure  and  profit  by  his  brethren  of  the  pulpit,  as 
well  .18  by  those  of  the  pew.  Of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  lie  was 
Clerk  in  1799,  as  he  was  the  author  of  the  circular  letter  in  1800,  and 
of  the  corresponding,  in  1797.  An  extract  from  his  circular  may  be  found 
page  74-5  of  this  work.  In  the  Sarrt/o^/a  Association,  also,  lie  shared 
a  like  distinction  among  his  brethren,  as  well  as  in  the  Bottskill 
body.  He  preached  the  introductory  sermon  in  the  Saratoga  Asso- 
ciation ^five  times  in  twenty-five  years,  and  was  Moderator  of  the 
same  six  times  in  that  period,  beside  being  clerk  for  two  sessions ; 

In  the  controversies  of  his  times  respecting  the  character  and  ten- 
dencies of  the  institution  of  Free-Masonry,  Elder  Barber  was  one  of 
the  foremost  and  firmest  in  opposition  to  this  institution.  And  in  an- 
swer to  the  reproach  sometimes  cast  upon  the  churches  that  took 
anti  masonic  ground,  that  they  lacked  ardent  piety,  and  only  lived  in 
a  spirit  of  controversj^  it  might  be  stated  that  in  the  great  revivals  of 
1881-2,  as  well  as  those  of  subsequent  years,  the  churches  in  this  re- 
gion which  were  the  most  decided  in  their  opposition  to  secret  socie- 
ties, shared  full  as  largely  in  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
are  not  behind  other  churches  generally,  in  the  spirit  of  Benevolence. 
Facts  well  known,  demonstrate  the  truthfulness  of  this  remark. 

Elder  Barber  died  suddenly  amidst  his  own  people,  on  the  first  day  of 
July,  1834  ;  "and  devout  men  carried  him  to  his  burial,  and  made  great 


SEC.  n.]  MNISTERS :  E.  BARBER.  301 


lamentation  over  lum."  I«  tl^e  minutes  of  tiie  Bottskill  Association 
•of  that  year,  honorable  testimoRy  was  boiee  to  his  worth,  and  a  reso- 
iutioa  cf  coedolence  with  his  widow  and  children  was  put  upon  re- 
cord. And  the  subjoined  obituary  notice  of  bim,  published  soon  after 
ii is  decease,  will  show  the  maneer  of  his  death  atid  the  esteem  ia 
which  he  was  held  by  those  who  knew  him  in  his  day  and  generation. 
It  is  copied  from  a  newspaper  notice  found  in  the  possession  of  bis 
daughter,  Mrs.  Jane  B.  Gregory,  of  Albany,  N.  Y. 
'"From  the  New  York  BAtTisT  Register. 

"ELDER  EDWARD  BARBER. 

"DiE»,  About  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  ultimo  at  his 
residence  in  Greeowidi,  Rev.  Edwaed  Baebek,  in  the  sixty-sixth  yew 
"of  his  age.  .  -7  j 

"  The  circumstaaces  of  his  death  were  as  follows  :  While  harness- 
ing his  horse  for  the  purpose  of  attending  an  ecclesiastical  convention 
■where  his  counsel  was  mud',  desired,*  at  about  half  past  three  o'clock 
P.  M.  of  the  day  previous  to  his  death,  be  was  suddenly  attacked 
With  an  apoplectic  affection,  attended  apparently  with  some  degree 
of  paralysis  which  he  survived  but  a  few  houns.  He  remained  speech- 
less during  the  time,  but  from  the  slight  manifestations  be  was  ena- 
bled  to  make,  he  appeared  to  have  the  use  ot  his  reason  to  the  last ; 
and  seemed  net  only  to  be  aware  that  the  hour  of  his  departure  had 
come,  but  also  to  meet  the  king  of  terrors  undismayed,  and  in  the  full 
hope  of  a  blissful  immortality. 

"  His  funeral  services  were  attended  on  the  3d.  A  solemn  ap- 
propriate, and  impressive  discours:e  was  delivered  on  the  occasion  by 
Rev.  George  W^itherell,  of  Hartford,  from  Psalm  12  :  I,  '  Help  Lord 
for  the  godly  man  ceaseth ;  for  the  faithful  fail  from  among  the 
children  of  men.'  The  audience  was  very  large,  attentive  and  deeply 
affected.  His  death  seemed  to  touch  a  chord  that  vibrated  throi^h 
the  whole  county  ;  and  the  vast  concourse  that  attended  his  remains 
to  the  mansions  of  the  dead,  bore  ample  testimony  of  the  respect  and 
veneration  in  which  he  was  held  in  the  community  around  him,  who 
had  witnessed  his  life,  and  attended  the  labors  of  his  ministry.  ' 

"  He  commenced  his  ministerial  course  with  the  people,  (to  whom 
he  preaclied  to  the  last,)  on  the  last  sabbath  of  June,  1794.  He  was 
publicly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  by  ordination, 
on  the  25th  of  September,  in  the  same  year,  at  which  time,  as  appears 
by  a  memorandum  of  his  own,  he  was  26  years  old.  This  section  of 
country  was,  at  that  time,  almost  a  wilderness.  The  church  was  in 
its  infancy,  feeble  in  resources,  and  few  in  numbers.  His  labors 
with  it  have  been  abundantly  blessed,  and  from  a  mere  handful 
of  about  thirty,f  he  lived  to  see  it  embrace  more  than  five  hundred 
members.  The  day  before  his  death,  completed  the  fortieth  year  of 
his  ministry  with  this  church  ;  and  he  was  then  called  to  give  an  ac- 

*  We  have  been  told  that  this  convention,  was  the  preliminary  meeting-;  to  settle 
the  principles  upon  which  the  Washington  »nd  Bottskfll  Associations  might  co»I- 
eice,  as  they  afterwards  did,  into  one  body. 

t  This  is  a  mistake,  for  the  Bottskill  church  reported  to  the  association  in  Juno 
1794,  the  handsome  number  of  172  members  in  fellowship. 

14 


302  SHAFTSBURT  ASSOCIATIOr}.  [APPE^DIX. 

count  of  his  stewardship  and  to  receive  that  crown  of  righteousness 
and  glory,  which,  we  trust,  the  Lord  had  prepared,  for  him  in  Heaven. 
He  had  long  prayed  that  he  might  not  outlive  bis  usefulness  ;  and 
his  Heavenly  Father  has  taken  lam  home  to  the  rest  of  the  Blessed, 
while  yet  his  lamp  burned   brightly,  and  his  labors  were  not  fruitless. 

"  Mr.  Barber  was  possessed  of  a  vigorous  and  active  mind,  a  ripen- 
ed and  well  regulated  judgement,  a  chastened  and  humble  spuit; 
and  a  generous  and  affectionate  heart.  As  a  preacher,  a  pastor,  and  a 
counsellor,  he  was  excelled  by  but  few.  In  his  public  ministrations  he 
was  faithful,  fearless,  and  affectionate;  in  his  private  life— blameless, 
unassuming  and  kind.  He  adorned  the  doctrines  he  professed,  not 
more  by  his  devotion  as  a  public  teacher,  than  by  his  example  as  a 
private  christian.  He  practiced  with  faithlulness  the  virtues  he 
preached  ;  and  performed  in  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  the  duties  he  en- 
joined upon  the  followers  of  his  Master.  In  the  denomination  to  which 
he  belonged,  he  was  held  in  high  estimation ;  and  in  the  circle  of  hia 
acquaintance,  was  beloved.  His  praise  was  in  all  the  churches,  and 
his  remembrance  is  garnered  up  in  the  hearts  of  thousands  who 
knew    him. 

"  He  was  a  souud  divine.  No  man  could  have  been  more  firmly 
established  in  the  belief,  or  possessed  clearer  and  more  definite  veiws  of 
the  Divine  sovereignty,  plan  of  grace,  and  the  way  of  recovery  from 
the  ruins  of  the  fall,  by  Jesus  Christ,  than  he  did.  The  lull,  rich, 
unmerited  and  special  grace  of  God,  exhibited  in  the  salvation  of 
the  sinner,  was  a  theme  on  which  he  delighted  to  dwell.  AVc  cannot 
but  believe  he  ha.s  received  many  souls  as  the  seals  of  his  ministry,  and 
that  he  will  meet  in  the  realms  of^.-glory,  many  beatified  spirits  that 
have  been  saved  by  his  instrumentaUty.  He  has  baptised  during  his 
ministry  about  760  persons. 

"  In  view  of  the  life,  labors,  and  death  of  our  father  in  Christ,  we 
connot  but  say ;  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last  end 
le  like  his."  "  A  Brother  in  Christ." 

The  following  unostentatious  inscription  may  be  read  on  his  tomb- 
stone where  his  dust  slumbers  among  his  own  people  in    the  Baptist 
burying  ground  in  Union  village,  VVashington  county,  N.  Y. 
"EDWARD  BARBER: 
died 
'•July  1st  1834,  in  his 
66th  year. 
"  He  was  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 
"Help,  Lord  1  for  the  Godly  man  ceasetu  ;  for  the 
'  "  Eaithful  kail  fkom  among  thb  chiloren  of  men." 


n.        ELDER  CALEB  BLOOD,  OF  SHAFTSBURY,  VT. 

Elder  Blood  was  for  twenty  years  an  active  min  ister  and  member 
in  the  Association,  and  from  the  prominent  part  he  bore  in  all  its  do- 
ing*)  as  well   as  from  his  excellent  spirit    and  general   acceptance 


SKC.  n.J  MINISTERS  :    C.  BLOOD. 


303 


among  Ills  brethren,  deserves  more  than  the  passing  notice  given  of 
bi3  worth,  in  the  body  of  this  work,  when  he  took  leave  of  his  breth- 
ren, m  the  year  1807.  The  following  sketch  is  condensed  from  a  no- 
tice ot  him,  in  the  Mass.  V^p.  Miss.  Magazine,  vol.  iv.  pages  oU-4  ;  and 
otiier  authentic  sources  oi  information  concerning  him. 

He  was  born  in  Chaulton,  Worcester  co.  Mass.  August  10  1754 
In  the  '21st  year  of  his  age,  he  was  brought  hopefully  to  a  sweet  and 
comtortable  experience  of  the  truth,  and  professed  tlie  religion  of  the 
gospel.  It  IS  reported  that  he  was  struck  with  a  deep  sense  of  his 
lost  condition,  while  at  a  ball,  in  the  midst  of  mirth  and  gayety  •  and 
that  the  impression  thus  made,  continued,  untd  the  Lord,  by  his  sov- 
ereign grace,  set  his  soul  at  liberty.  He  soon  became  impressed  with 
the  situation  of  a  world  of  sinners  around  him,  and  in  about  18  months 
commenced  preaching  the  gospel.  It  is  presumed  he  was  appi-obated' 
and  sent  into  the  ministry  by  the  church  at  Charlton,  of  which  Elder 
Nathaniel  Green  was  then  pastor.  After  preaching  in  several 
places,  as  a  door  was  opened  before  him,  he  visited  Marlow,  Wew 
Hampshu-e,  in  the  autumn  of  1777,  where  he  was  ordained,  and  con- 
tinued to  labor  for  about  two  years.  He  then  removed  to  Weston,  and 
labored  a  year  and  a  half  with  the  Baptist  church  and  society.  About 
this  time,  the  Lord  poured  out  his  spirit  upon  the  inhabitants  ofNew- 
ton,  Mass.,  and  numbers  beiug  converted  were  baptised  after  the 
apostolic  example,  and  in  the  summer  of  1780  a  church  was  consti- 
tuted, which  increased  to  70  members  in  14  months.  This  infant 
church  invited  Elder  Blood  to  become  their  Pastor,  which  he  did  in 
the  spring  of  1781,  and  continued  with  them,  until  the  year  1788 
Though  his  ministry  hero  was  short,  he  was  much  beloved  by  the  peo- 
ple. The  following  incident  speaks  for  itself,  as  related  by  Rev.  S.  F. 
Smith  in  his  notice  of  Elder  Blood's  ministry.  "  The  evening  after  he* 
had  taken  leave  of  his  people,  two  sisters,  then  mere  children,  went 
home  in  tears  ;  and  it  is  said  one  of  them,  steadily  aflirmed  that  she 
would  willingly  leave  her  father  and  mother,  and  all  that  she  held 
dear,  for  the  privilege  of  accompanying  Mr.  Blood,  even  if  he  should 
go  to  the  ends  of  the  earth."* 

Elder  Blood  removed  to  Shaftsbury,  Vt.,  at  the  earnest  request  of 
a  number  of  brethren  there,  in  January,  1788,  with  the  consent  of 
his  attached  people  in  Newton.  Here  he  was  eminently  useful  for 
nearly  twenty  years  ;  not  only  in  the  town  of  his  adoption,  but  in  all 
the  region  around.  Several  revivals  of  religion  were  enjoyed  under 
his  ministry.  He  found  about  l?5  members  in  fellowship  when  he 
came  ;  and  in  1807,  when  he  removed,  the  church  reported  355  to  the 
Association.  The  year  1795  was  a  year  of  enlargement,  some  35  be- 
ing added  to  the  church  ;  as  there  were  -some,  about  every  year  of  his 
pastorate.  But  in  the  winter  of  1798-9,  a  most  wonderful  work  of 
reformation  was  experienced  in  that  town  ;  and  Elder  Blood's  con- 
gregation shared  largely  in  this  gracious  revival.  About  175  were 
added  to  his  church,  among  them  several  of  his  own  children.  An 
account  of  this  revival  may  be  found  in  this  work,  from  his  pen,  un- 

*  Mr.  Smith's  Life  of  Elder  J.  GeaftoNj  of  Newton,  p.  44. 


304  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATrON.  [APPENDIX. 

der  date  of  1799,  copied  from  Backus' history  of  the  churches  m  Ne-W 
England.  [See  pnge9B9,  60.]  And  during  the  whole  of  his  ministry, 
about  276  were  added  to  the  church  under  his  care,  so  successful  was 
he  in  gathering  the  lambs  of  Christ  into  thf^fold. 

But  Elder  Blood's  labors  were  not  conftn'^d  to  his  own  people  ;  ha 
frequently  traveled  and  preached  in  the  adjacent  country,  being  often 
called  to  assist  in  councils,  ordinations,  &c.,  in  other  churches.  So 
eminent  were  his  services,  that  he  acquired  the  title  of  one  of  the 
Fathers  in  the  Shaftsbury  Association.  When  the  University  of  Ver- 
mont was  establisheii  in  1791,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  Trustees  ; 
and  the  year  following,  by  the  appointment  of  the  Legislature,  h« 
preached  the  election  sermon  before  the  Governor  and  members  of 
the  State  government. 

In  addition  to  liis  other  itinerent  labors.  Elder  Blood,  in  the  autumn 
of  1804,  performed  a  missionary  tonr  oi  t/iree  months  under  appoint- 
ment of  the  Association,  to  the  western  parts  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
and  into  Upper  Canada.  There  is  reason  to  believe  his  labors  were 
highly  useful  in  many  places,  in  "'  setting  in  order  the  things  that 
were  wanting,"  and  in  "  strengtliening  others  that  were  ready  to  die." 
While  in  this  body,  he  preached  the  introductory  sermon,  at  least 
five  years,  or  in  1792, '80,  1801,  '03  and  in  1806.  He  also  served  his 
brethren,  as  Moderator  for  nine  sessions,  and  wrote  the  circular  letter 
for  them  in  1789,  and  in  1796.  The  first  of  the  circulars  is  in  the 
the  body  of  this  work,  and  well  deserves  our  study  for  the  clear 
and  comprehensive  principles  which  it  embodies  in  regard  to  the 
government  of  a  church.  Beside,  the  Constitution  or  Plan  of  the 
Association,  both  in  1789,  and  1806,  was  the  fruit,  in  part  at  least, 
of  his  mature  judgment  and  views  of  the  order  of  a  voluntary 
association  of  christian  churches  for  mutual  aid  and  usefulness. 
And  in  the  early  discussion  of  the  merits  of  Speculative  Free-Ma- 
sonry, in  this  body,  in  1799  and  1802-3,  Elder  Blood  is  understood 
to  have  been  one  of  the  firnaest  objectors  to  this  institution,  along 
with  Barber,  Warren  and  Webb,  bold  compeers,  in  those  days,  in 
their  opposition  to  all  that  was  clearly  inconsistent  to  the  letter 
and  spirit  of  the  gospel  of  Christ. 

After  spending  the  meridian  of  his  life  in  Shpftsbury,  for  nearly 
twenty  years.  Eider  Blood,  at  Mi*  age  of  53,  was  dismissed  at  his 
own  urgent  solicitation  from  the  oswe  of  that  church,  in  April,  1807. 
He  next  settled  in  Boston,  as  Jj((ist»r  of  the  Third  Baptist  church 
in  that  city,  where  he  labored  for  nearly  three  years,  or  from  Sept. 
1807,  until  June,  1810,  with  very  good  acceptance,  though  with 
what  success  we  are  not  informed.  The  last  four  years  of  his  life, 
he  spent  in  the  service  of  the  First  church  and  society  in  the  city 
of  Portland,  Maine.  He  was  useful  in  this  new  field,  although  be- 
ginning to  feel  the  infirmities  of  age.  The  church  and  society 
erected  a  convenient  house  of  worship,  during  his  ministry.  His 
labors  were  increasingly  useful  and  acceptable  here,  and  especially 
the  last  years  of  his  life.  For  nearly  two  months  before  his  death, 
he  was  unable  to  walk  to  his  meeting  house,  though  but  a  small 
distance.     But  his  zeal  for  the  cause,  and  his  love  to  immortal  souls, 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :    C.  BLOOD.  805 

suffered  no  abatement.  He  felt  and  spoke  like  a  dying  man.  To 
all  who  heard  him,  his  addresses  appeared  unusually  solemn  and  im- 
pressive. He  struggled  hard  with  his  infirmities,  and  -was  often 
exercised  with  great  pain,  while  discharging  the  duties  of  his  pul 
pit. 

He  was  attacked  more  violently  on  the  19th  of  February,  and 
continued  to  fail  until  Lord's  Day  morning,  March  16th,  1614,  about 
6  o'clock,  when  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  aged  59  years,  6  months,  and 
17  days.  The  state  of  his  mind  during  his  last  sickness  may  be  seen 
by  the  following  extracts  from  a  letter,  written  to  a  friend,  dated 
March  12,  1814. 

"  Dear  and  respected  friend. 

"  I  received  your  kind  and  sympathetic  letter  with  grateful  emo- 
tions. The  sympathy  of  friends  may,  in  some  instances,  soothe  our 
sorrows,  but  it  cannot  ease  the  heart  that  is  rent  by  the  cruel  tyrant 
death.  But  shall  I  call  that  cruel  which  alone  introduces  the  soul  in- 
to immortal  ftlicity  ?  Oh  no  ;  let  me  rather  adore  the  goodness  of 
God,  that  overrules  his  power,  and  makes  even  Death  the  great  pri- 
vilege of  the  believer.  Yet  I  may  truly  say  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
lies  heavy  upon  us.  Few  children  have  had  such  a  parent.  But  alas! 
he  is  now  no  more.  <fcc."  "  The  Lord  has  been  good  to  us,  especially  in 
granting  the  manifestations  of  his  love  to  my  father.  In  his  last  sick- 
ness, and  for  some  months  before,  he  was  unusally  engaged  in  prayer 
and  preaching ;  so  much  so,  that  many  thought  him  ripening  for 
glory.  His  mind  was  perfectly  composed  in  his  sickness,  and  by  his 
conversation,  he  evinced  to  all  that  heard  liim,  the  reality  of  the  re- 
ligion of  Jesus,  and  its  power  to  support  the  soul,  when  flesh  and 
heart  fail." 

"  When  in  the  near  prospect  of  death,  he  manifested  an  unshaken 
belief  in  the  doctrine  he  had  preached,  expressing  an  entire  confidence 
in  God,  and  dependence  on  the  righteousness  of  Christ.  He  often 
said,  '  I  am  as  naked  as  the  thief  on  the  cross,  as  to  any  thing  to  recom- 
mend me  to  God.'  When  he  spake  of  sufferings,  he  would  quote  those 
words  in  Luke,  23  ;  41  ;  "  A^id  we  indeed  justly :  for  we  receive  the  re- 
ward of  our  deeds  ;  but  this  man  hath  done  7iothing  amiss."  When  it 
•was  mentioned,  that  he  was  going  to  receive  the  reward  of  hislabors, 
he  would  reply:  'If  mere  mercy  through  the  atonement  of  Christ  can 
reach  so  great  a  sinner,  and  a  soul  that  deserves  to  sink  to  hell  can  be 
eaved  I  shall  arrive  at  the  kingdom  of  glory  ;  if  not,  I  am  gone.' 

"Being  asked,  if  he  could  give  up  all  below,  he  said  he  calmly  re- 
signed his  family  and  the  dear  children ;  but  the  thought  of  no  more 
warning  poor  sinners  was  the  hardest  thing  to  him  ;  but  at  length  ha 
Baid ;  '  I  have  done  the  work,  and  finished  the  ministry  I  have  re- 
cieved.' 

"  He  fervently  warned  ministers  against  seeking  to  be  great  in  the 
view  of  others  ;  and  of  the  great  necessity  of  church  discipline.  He 
desired  that  poor  sinners  might  be  told,  that  he  died  with  a  concern 
on  his  heart  for  their  souls.  As  a  ministering  brother  was  going  to 
pray  with  him,  ho  was  asked,  what  be  woulcl  wish  to  have  prayed 


306  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX, 

for  ?     '  0,'  said  be,  'pray  that  all  our  toills  may  be  swallowed  up  in  the 
Divine  will ;  and  that  the  cause  of  God  may  floui'ish  in  this  world.' 

"  He  often  repeated  the  following  words ; 

"  Tliis  life's  a  dream,  an  empty  show ; 
"  But  the  bright  world  to  which  I  go, 
'  ' '  Hath    joys  substantial  and  sincere  ; 
"  When  shall  I  wake, and  find  me  there  ! 
^."  When  in  extreme  pain,  he  would  say, 
■  "  Tho'  painful  at  present,  '  twill  cease  before  long, 

"  And  tlieu.  Oh  liow  pleasant,  the  conqueror's  song! 

"  Seeing  my  motlier  affected  in  looking  at  his  hand,  he  said,  'Don't  he 
anxious,  because  you  see  death  in  it :  the  Lord  will  fashion  it  like  un- 
to his  glorious  body;  for  I  shall  see  him  for  myself,  and  not  for 
another.'  She  replied,  'I  hope  it  will  not  belong,  before  We  meet 
again  no  more  to  jiart.'     He  replied,  •  It  wdl  be  all  grace  if  we  do.' 

"  When  very  near  to  death,  being  asked,  if  lie  was  sensible  he  was 
going,  he  said  ;  '  I  believe  I  am,  very  fast.'  Then  he  was  asked  how 
his  mind  was  ?  he  said;  Calm;  I  am  not  afraid  to  trust  in  Jesus; 
there  is  enough  in  him.'  And  then,  on  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath, 
we  have  reason  to  believe,  he  entered  an  Eternal  Sabbath  of  rest." 

Betsey  Blood." 

The  following  notice  of  his  decease  is  from  a  Portland  paper  of 
the  time. 

"  On  Lords'  Day  morning,  6th  inst.  between  the  hourS  of  axand 
seven,  departed  this  life,  after  a  short,  but  painful  illness)  Rev.  Caleb 
Blood,  I'astor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  this  town,  in  the  60th  yejir  of 
his  age,  and  the  38th  of  his  ministry.  His  dying  testimony  to  the  last, 
so  impressive  upon  the  minds  of  all  that  heard  it,  is  the  best  com- 
ment upon  his  character.  In  his  last  sickness,  all  classes'  appeared 
equally  concerned;  each  one  striving  to  'express  a  regard  for  so 
valuable  a  member  of  the  community.  A  bereaved  widoW  and  two 
children,  mourn  the  loss  of  a  husband,  a  fatlier,  an  instructorand  most 
invaluable  companion,  under  the  full  conviction  that  he  is  now  reaping 
the  reward  of  a  faithful  servant.  The  bereaved  church,  of  which  he 
was  Pastor,  sustaiiiing  so  great  a  loss,  are  entitled  to  the  sympathy  of 
all  the  friends  of  Zion.  May  the  Great  Head  of  the  church,  with 
whom  is  the  residue  of  the  spirit,  comfort  the  bereaved,  and  repair 
this  breach  now  made  in  the  militant  church,  for  the  glory  of  his 
name,  and  support  of  his  cause  upon  the  earth. 

"  His  funeral  was  attended  on  the  Wednesday  following,  by  a  large 
concom-se  of  people  of  all  denominations,  from  the  Baptist  mefetiug 
bouse,  where  a  very  solemn  discourse  was  delivered  on  the  occasion, 
by  the  Rev.  Sylvanus  Boaudman  of  North  Yarmouth,  from  Job  V". 
11.  Thus  terminated  the  life  of  this  excellent  man,  leaving  behind 
him  the  good  name,  which  is  better  than  precious  ointment." 


SEC.  11.]  MINISTERS  :    A.  BROWN.  307 

HI.       ELDER  AMASA  BROWN,  OF  HARTFORD,  KY. 

Respecting  this  veteran  captain  in  the  host  of  our  Israel,  and  for 
some  thirteen  years  a  member  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  we  are 
unable  to  furnish  more  than  the  following  meagre  sketch,  drawn  part- 
ly from  the  minutes  of  associations,  and  partly  from  the  verbal 
accounts  of  those  who  knew  him. 

He  came  from  Swansey,  Massachusetts,  into  the  region  of  his  sub- 
sequent labors,  soon  after  the  revolutionary  war,  in  which  he  did  ser- 
vice— altaming,  it  is  said,  a  commission  in  the  army.  At  what  time 
he  enlisted  under  the  banner  of  King  Jesus,  and  when  he  was  pro- 
moted in  his  service  to  the  rank  he  so  well  honored,  as  a  leader  in 
Zion,  we  are  uninformed.  Most  likely  his  preaching  eiforts  com- 
menced about  the  time  of  the  constitution  of  the  first  Baptist 
church  in   Hartford,  in  1788,  when  about  33  or  34  years  of  age. 

His  name  occurs  on  the  Shaftsbury  minutes  in  1793,  for  the  first 
time,  as  pastor  of  the  church,  (then  called  1st  Westfield,)  with  146 
members,  of  whom  27  hi^d  been  added  during  the  year  previous. 
The  next  year  he  came  up  to  the  annual  meeting  at  Pownal,  Vt.,  with 
an  addition  of  50  more  ;  and  having  dismissed  21,  he  reported  a  total 
still  of  168.  In  1795,  although  not  present  at  Stillwater  himself, 
his  church  reported  an  addition  of  31,  and  a  total  of  196.  In  1796, 
he  reported  49  added,  30  dismissed,  and  212  in  all.  In  1797,  he  was 
present  at  Bottskill  to  report  the  accession  of  106  more,  and  a  total 
of  3U3,  after  a  powerful  revival — which  began  from  the  death  of  a 
•woman  by  lightning,  to  which  solemn  alariiii  some  40  persons  dated 
their  first  awakening.  And  thus  lor  years  did  his  church  increase  ia 
number  under  his  ministry,  until  in  1806,  we  see  his  name  at  the  head 
of  a  company  of  435,  with  16  new  recruits  under  his  guidance,  in  the 
Saratoga  battalion  of  the  army  of  Zion. 

From  1793  to  1799,  he  must  have  enjoyed  a  continued  revival — ad- 
ding in  these  seven  years,  about  300  to  his  church.  After  a  few  years 
of  declension  he  shared  again  in  the  Divine  favor  upon  his  labors, 
adding  about  105  in  the  years  1813-14;  and  again  in  1816-17,  he 
baptised  from  140  to  160,  in  two  years.  This  was  his  last  and  great- 
est harvest,  the  fruits  of  which  are  yet  seen  in  many  churches,  by  the 
stability  and  consistent  conduct  of  those  converts  ;  and  blessing  even 
the  distant  heathen,  through  tiie  indefatigable  labors  of  our  beloved 
Wade,  on  the  shores  of  Burmah.  For  among  the  number  he  baptised 
in  1816,  (as  we  learn  by  one  of  them,)  were  three  now  living,  and 
useful  ministers  of  the  gospel.  One  was  our  excellent  foreign  mis- 
sionary, Jonathan  Wade,  D.  D.,  in  Bmmali ;  another  was  Elder 
Barna  Allen,  now  of  Hubbardton,  Vt,  once  for  a  year  or  two,  the 
pastor  of  his  mother  church :  while  the  third  wasi  Elder  John  H. 
Barker,  now  for  several  j'ears  pastor  of  the  Adamsville  Baptist 
church — a  colony  from  Hartford,  as  its  foster  mother. 

Soon  after  this  great  harvest,  Elder  Brown's  increasing  age  and  in- 
firmities, secured  for  him  a  release  from  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
church,  although  he  continued  till  about  the  year  1821,  a  period  of 
fiome  S3  years  in  alL    His  labors  were  felt  in  adjaceut  towns ;  and 


308  SHAFTSBURy   ASSOCIATfOW.  ^AFPENDIX. 

during  bis  ministry,  tbe  diureb  in  Hebron,  on  the  east,  and  that  at 
Adamsville,  on  the  southwest,  were  ex)ii3tituted,  m  considerable  parfc 
from  members  of  bis  cliui'ch. 

His  successor  was  Elder  George  WiTriEaELz,ia  18?2,  w  ho  co»tinueci 
for  ten  or  twelve  years  in  town.  The  Hartford  churcli  has  had  its  pe- 
culiar trials  and  vicissitudes  since  the  labors  of  Elder  Brown  closed, 
having  been  for  a  period  diviiled  into  two  bands  by  the  Masonic  ques- 
tion ;  but  now,  and  for  the  last  ten  years,  is  united  again  ;  having  en- 
joyed the  labors  of  several  pastors,  some  of  whom  have  been  favoredi 
with  powerful  revivals  of  religion,  and  large  a«cesstous  to  the  church. 
It  now  embodies  a  membership  of  about  430,  under  the  pastoral 
charge  of  Elder  J.  B.  Drummond,  who  baa  baptised  iato  their  fellow- 
ehip  during  the  past  two  or  three  years,  about  209  eoBvcrts.  May 
their  fruit  be  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

Elder  Brown's  church  united  with  tha  Saratoga  AssociatioD, 
at  its  oi'ganization  in  1805,  and  remained  in  that  connection  till  1827, 
when  it  united  with  other  churches  in  the  vicinity,  in  forming  the 
Washington  Association.     His  memory  is  cherished  among  the  peo- 

{)Ie  of  the  towQ  of  Hartford  and  the  regions  about  it,  for  the  excel- 
ent  traits  of  his  character  as  a  man — a  ehristian^ — and  a  minister  of 
Jesua  Christ.  If  he  was  not  the  most  talented  of  preachers,  he  was 
a  very  useful  one.  He  must  have  baptised  something  like  seve7i  hun- 
dred into  the  fellowship  of  the  Hartford  church  in  the  last  thirty 
years  of  his  ministry  among  them.  For  several  years  his  brethreri 
honored  him  in  the  association,  by  appointing  hrm  its  Moderator. 

Elder  Brown  was  a  pafariot.  For  when  bia  regiment  was  called  out 
IB  1814,  to  march  to  Plattsburgh,  the  order  coming  on  the  Sabbath. — 
a3  chaplain  he  went  into  his  desk  in  the  morning  with  his  epaulettes 
on,  (as  we  are  informed  by  an  eye-witnes.%  then  a  boy,)  and  preached 
a  very  patriotic  discourse  to  incite  his  neighbors  and  brethren  to  fi- 
delity, who  had  been  summonetl  to  tlie  defence  of  their  country 
against  the  invading  foe — and  then  at  the  close  of  the  service  marched 
on  with  his  regiment  in  the  afternoon,  evincing  that  his  love  of  coim- 
try  was  true-hearted. 

He  was  an  early  advocate  for  the  foreign  mission,  and  other  benev- 
olent societies  that  arose  about  the  same  period,  soon  after  the  war» 
For  his  zeal  and  boldness  in  advocating  these  objects  of  bertevolence, 
he  met  with  opposition,  and  suffered  in  eonsequeiice,  even  from  some  of 
his  own  brethren.  We  have  this  incident  from  Col.  Allen,  of  Fair- 
haven,  Vt.,  (as  well  as  tbe  former  one,)  that  he  said :  "  If  a  maa 
would  not  allow  his  wife  the  means  to  give  to  such  worthy  objects, 
be  thought  she  would  be  justifiable  in  getting  into  his  purse  and  help- 
ing herself  to  funds."  To  some,  this  was  outrageous  counsel  from  a 
minister  of  the  Gospel.  But  should  a  christian  wife  be  hindei'ed  al- 
ways from  acting  the  reasonable  promptings  of  her  benevolent  soul 
by  such  a  husband  ?  With  such  a  pastor,  who  wonders  that  Jonathaa 
Wade  became  a  missionary  of  the  cross  'i 

Elder  Brown  died  at  last  in  a  good  old  age,  among  his  owrt  people^ 
where  his  sepuldire  is  seen  to  this  day  in  the  public  burial  ground^ 
amidst  his  own  family,  several  of  whose  remains  lie  arouad  hini. 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :  J,  CORNELL.  309 

Oa  his  tombstone  tlie  passer  by  will  read  the  folio-wing  brief  in- 
scription:— 

.,     "  Rev.  Amasa  BaowN, 
"Died  January  24,  1830, 

"in  the  76th  jear  of  his  age." 
And  in  the  same  yard,  lie  the  mortal  remains  of  two  other  minis" 
ters  who  have  labored  among  this  people ;  Rev.  Jeremiah  Everts^ 
who  died  among  them,  August  24th,  184«,  aged  SSJyears;  and 
Rev.  Henry  F.  Baldwin,  (once  of  1  Bennington,)  who  died  in  Arca- 
dia, New  York,  September  20th,  1845,  aged  45  years. 


IV.        ELDER  JOSEPH  CORNELL,  OF  GAL  WAY,  N.  Y. 

The_ compiler  cannot  do  better  than  to  give  his  readers  entire,  tho 
following  sketch  of  Elder  Corn  ell's  life  and  character,  which  is  takea 
from  the  History  of  tiie  N.  Y.  Baptist  filissionary  Convention,  by  El- 
ders Peek  and  Lawton  ;  pages  200-204. 

"But  few  individuals,  under  all  the  circumstances  which  attended 
his  life  and  character,  have  been  more  generally  known  in  this  State, 
and  in  a  considerable  portion  of  New  England,  than  the  one  whose 
name  is  placed  at  the  head  of  this  article.  He  lived  in  a  peculiar  age 
of  the  country  and  of  the  church,  to  both  of  which  his  habits  and  man- 
ners seemed  peculiarly  adapted;  and  hence  his  popularity  and  use- 
fulness were  unquestionably  great,  in  the  different  tields  of  labor  to 
which  he  was  called  in  the  course  of  his  ministerial  duties. 

"The  subject  of  this  memoir  was  born  February  1 1, 1747,  at  Swan- 
6ey,  Mass.,  where  ho  continued  to  reside  with  his  father,  Mr.  Elisha 
Cornell,  until  he  was  about  twenty-five  years  of  age.  He  then  mar- 
ried to  Mary  Mason,  and  removed  witli  her,  and  settled  in  business,  in 
Lanesborough,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  until  the  year  1780,  when  he 
was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

"  Eld.  Cornell  was  made  the  subject  of  grace,  as  he  supposed,  when 
he  was  about  nineteen  years  of  age  ;  but  for  some  reason  did  not  con- 
nect himself  with  the  church  until  about  two  years  after.  He  was  then 
baptised  by  Eld.  Russel  Mason,  and  imited  with  the  Baptist  church 
in  Swansey,  his  native  place.  Almost  immediately  after  his  connec- 
tion with  the  people  of  God,  his  mind  was  deeply  exercised  with  a 
sense  of  his  duty  in  reference  to  the  ministry.  On  the  on©  hand  he  felt 
almost  irresistibly  impelled  to  commence  preaching  the  gospel  for  the 
salvation  of  sinners  ;  and  on  the  other,  he  felt  weighed  down  with  a 
sense  of  his  insufficiency,  especially  in  reference  to  the  education  neces- 
sary to  qualify  him  "  rightly  to  divide  the  word,  and  give  to  each  his 
portion  in  due  season."  In  this  state  of  mind  he  continued  his 
walk  with  the  church,  exercising  his  gifts  in  prayer  and  exhortation, 
on  all  suitable  occasions,  for  about  twelve  years,  when,  having  deter- 
mined his  future  course,  and  having  passed  the  ordeal  of  examinatioa 
and  admission,  he  was  ordained  at  Lanesborough,  in  1780. 
14* 


glO  8HAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [aPPEN&IX, 

"  Immediately  after  bis  ordination  be  removed  to  Mancliester,  Vt., 
then  a  frontier  settlement,  where  many  people  remained  during  the 
eventful  period  of  the  American  revolutiou,  and  -whuie  there  was  a 
"  Baptist  Conference,"  which  had  invited  him  to  come  and  labor 
•with  them.  Soon  after  tlie  commeDcement  of  his  ministry  in  this 
place,  a  church  was  regularly  constituted,  and  he  became  their  first 
pastor. 

*'  At  this  time  when  Eld.  Cornell  vrent  to  Manchester,  there  was 
a  revival  of  religion  in  that  place,  and  the  church  is  understood  to- 
have  received  very  considerable  additions ;  but  at  the  close  of  the 
war  many  of  the  inhabitants,  who  had  resided  there  but  tempora- 
rily, removed  to  different  places;  which  materially  affected  the  per- 
manent growth  of  the  church  under  his  ministration. 

"It  is  understood,  however,  to  have  flourished  under  his  preach- 
ing ;  and  his  labors  in  that  place  gave  evidence  of  Divine  accept- 
ance, and  satisfaction  to  the  public.  After  remaining  at  Manches- 
ter about  fourteen  years,  he  accepted  an  invitation  to  take  the 
?astoral  charge  of  the  second  Baptist  church  in  Galway,  N.  Y, 
his  church  had  been  recently  constituted,  and  Dea.,  since  Eld, 
Abijah  Peck,  had  officiated  in  its  public  exorcises  ;  but  as  yet  there 
had  been  no  regular  pastor  until  Eld.  Cornell  was  settled  there,  in 
1794.  Here  he  continued  for  five  years,  laboring  faithfully  and  ac- 
ceptably, the  church  prospering  under  hia  ministry. 

"  At  this  time  Dr.  John  Munro,  a  member  of  his  church,  having 
been  ordained  to  the  ministry,  Elder  Cornell  resigned  the  pastoral 
charge  into  his  hands,  and  commenced  a  series  of  missionary  labora 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Massachusetts  Missionary  Society,  which 
he  continued  for  three  years.  The  first  year  he  spent  in  what  is  usually 
called  the  Black  River  country,  and  Upper  Canada  ;  the  second 
year  principally  in  Chenango  county,  N.  Y.;  and  the  third  year  in 
the  western  part  of  New  York  and  Upper  Canada.  In  the  course 
of  these  ministrations  he  formed  an  extensive  circle  of  acquaintan- 
ces, of  a  very  dear  and  interesting  character,  which  will  long  be  re- 
membered. 

"At  the  close  of  this  period,  in  the  year  1802,  his  health  having 
become  impaired,  he  went  to  Providence,  R.  I,  for  the  purpose  of 
regaining  it.  At  that  time  the  first  Baptist  church  at  Providence 
was  in  a  flourishing  condition,  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  Elder 
Stephen  Qano;  and  the  Congregixtional  church  in  that  place  had  re- 
cently been  left  destitute  by  the  death  of  its  pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Snow.  The  latter  invited  Elder  Cornell  to  preach  for  them,  which 
he  did  for  about  a  year ;  at  which  time,  a  revival  taking  place,  and 
most  the  subjects  of  it  receiving  gospel  baptism,  the  second  Baptist 
church  of  Providence  was  finally  constituted,  from  these  and  former 
members  of  the  Baptist  church,  and  some  members  of  the  congregation- 
al church  where  Eld.  Cornell  had  been  preaching.  Over  this  church, 
thus  formed.  Eld.  Cornell  was  again  settled  as  pastor,  it  being  the  third 
m-stanceofhis  being  settled  as  pastor  over  churches  newly  constituted. 

"_  This  church  erected  a  large  and  commodious  meeting-house,  in 
which  Eld.  Cornell   preached   the  first  sermon,  and,  by  a  singular 


EC.  II.]  MINISTEBS:   J.  CORNELL.  311 

coincidence,  the  last,  also ;  happening  to  be  in  Providence  on  a  visit 
about  thirteen  years  afterwards,  when  lie  preached,  and  the  next  day 
the  house  was  carried  away  by  a  flood,  in  a  terrible  storm.  The 
Bible  belonging  to  the  church  was  found  floating  in  the  river,  and 
though  drenched  with  water,  and  although  it  must  have  changed 
positions  repeatedly  after  leaving  the  desk,  when  found,  it  was  said 
to  remain  open  at  the  place  from  which  the  text  had  last  been  taken 
by  Eld.  Cornell. 

"  After  remaining  at  Providence  about  ten  years,  he  returned,  and 
resumed  his  labors  a<»  pastor  of  the  second  Baptist  church  in  Galway, 
in  which  he  succeeded  Eld.  Samuel  Rogers.  Here  he  continued  about 
nine  years,  and  then  resigned  the  pastoral  charge  to  Elder  Eugenio 
Kincaid,  now  a  successful  missionary  in  Burmah, 

"  From  this  period  to  that  of  his  death,  between  four  and  five 
years,  Elder  Cornell  was  employed  by  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mission- 
ary Society,  a  part  of  the  time  as  a  missionary,  and  a  part  of  the  time 
as  an  agent  for  the  Oneida  missionary  station.  His  missionary  la- 
bors were  principally  performed  in  Columbia  county,  N".  Y.;  his 
travels  as  an  agent  in  the  western  part  of  New  York,  and  in  New 
England.  In  this  last  service  closed  the  labors  of  this  pious,  devo- 
ted and  interesting  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  eightieth  year  of 
his  age,  and  the  forty  sixth  of  h  s  ministry. 

*  There  was  something  singular  and  apparently  providential  in  the 
time  and  manner  of  his  death,  which  happened  in  strict  accordance 
with  his  previously  expressed  wishes,  at  his  residence  in  Galway,  July, 
26,  I8"26.  He  had,  contrary  to  his  previous  arrangements,  unexpect- 
edly returned  home  from  Oneida  county,  on  Monday  evening,  in  good 
health.  On  Tuesday  he  complained  of  a  slight  indisposition,  which, 
however,  did  not  confine  him  to  his  house.  On  Wednesday  morning 
he  remained  about  the  same  ;  he  had  walked  out  and  returned,  and 
about  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  he  was  sitting  and  conversing  upon  some 
common  topic  with  his  son,  Dea.  Asa  Cornell,  when  the  latter  per- 
cieving  a  sudden  change  come  over  his  father's  countenance,  sprang 
forward,  and  caught  him  to  prevent  his  falling  from  his  chair;  and 
thus  he  expired  instantly,  in  the  arms  of  his  son,  without  a  strug- 
gle, a  word,  or  a  groan,  and  slept  with  the  saints  of  the  Most  High 
God  !  Such  is  the  brief  and  imperfect  history  of  the  life  and  minis- 
terial labors  of  Eld.  Joseph  Cornell — the  duration,  variety  and  ex- 
tent, of  which,  alone,  is  deemed  to  be  of  sufficient  importance  to  enti- 
tle him  to  this  notice. 

"But  there  are  other  considerations  which  render  his  memory  pe- 
culiarly interesting.  He  was  wholly  self-taught.  So  illiterate,  in- 
deed, was  he,  at  the  time  he  commenced  in  the  ministry,  that  it  was 
difficult  for  him  to  read  a  sentence  intelligibly.  Notwithstanding 
this,  his  language  was  generally  well  selected,  his  arrangements  sys 
tematic,  and  hi>  illustrations  clear  and  lucid.  He  possessed  a  strong 
mind,  and  a  discriminating  judcment,  which  enabled  him  to  steer 
clear  of  many  of  the  troubles  and  difficulties  which  frequently  disturb 
the  placidity  of  the  pastoral  office.  He  seemed  to  be  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  avenues  to  the  human  heart,   which  enabled  him 


812  8HAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

frequently,  iu  the  course  of  his  preaching,  to  make  the  most  deep  and 
lasting  impressions,  with  the  most  famiUai-  language  and  tlie  most 
unlabored  argument. 

"  In  a  word,  his  entire  devotion,  fervent  piety,  and  unremitting  zeal, 
were  apparent  at  all  times  in  his  daily  walk  and  conversation,  and 
secured  to  him  the  entire  confidence  of  the  Christian  community.  Un- 
like many  of  his  age  and  circumstances,  in  reference  to  literary  ac- 
quirements, he  was  a  warm  and  decided  friend  of  education,  and  of 
those  institutions, — especially  that  at  Hamilton, — which  have  in  view 
the  education  of  persons  for  the  ministry.  The  writer  of  this  articltt 
recollects  perfectly  well  being  present  at  a  ministerial  conference, 
nearly  twenty  years  ago,  when  Eld.  Cornell  was  also  present,  and 
warmly  espoused  the  cause  of  education;  rendering,  as  one  reason  for 
his  so  doing,  his  own  experience  for  the  want  of  it,  and  the  privation 
and  embarrassment  he  had  suffered  as  a  consequence." 


V.  ELDER  JEHIEL  FOX,  OF  CHESTER,  WARREN  CO.,  K  Y 

"Among  the  early  Fathers  in  the  ministry,  whose  pioneer  labors 
and  toils  contributed  so  much  to  the  establishment  and  future  pros- 
perity of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  is  the  name  of  one,  whose  tield 
of  labor  was  on  one  of  the  extreme  outposts  of  this  ancient  body,  Elder 
Jehiel  Fox.  He  was  born  in  East  Haddam,  in  Connecticut,  about 
the  year  1760.  He  was  the  son  of  Daniel  Fox,  who  with  his  laj-ge 
family,  about  the  time  of  the  Revolution,  moved  up  to  New  Canaan, 
Columbia  county,  N.  Y.  The  subject  of  this  notice,  at  that  time,  a 
young  man,  taught  a  school  near  Whiting's  Pond.  He  married  Miss 
Jerusha  Baldwin,  daughter  of  Capt.  Hezekiah  Baldwin,  a  soldier  of 
the  French  and  Revolutionary  wars,  but  who,  at  this  time,  was  a  sol- 
dier of  the  cross,  under  the  ministry  of  Elder  Jacob  Drake.  The 
Baptists  were  tlicn  called,  by  the  "standing  order,"  new  lights,  (322 
Benedict's  Hist.  Bapt.  page  5.51.)  After  this,  Mr.  Fox  moved  with  his 
family  up  to  Hoosick  Falls,  about  the  year  1768,  where  he  began  to 
improve  his  gift  in  public,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  church 
at  St.  Coix.  The  license  is  signed  by  Dea.  Waldo.  In  tlieyear  1796 
he  moved  to  Chester,  18  miles  north  of  Lake  George,  in  the  north 
part  of  Washington,  now  Warren  couut}'.  In  that  distant  wildernes'^, 
he  found  a  few  scattered  followers  of  Christ.  Iu  179G  a  church  was 
organized,  and  he  was  ordained  at  a  council  of  brethren  by  Elder 
Amasa  Brown,  from  Hartford,  the  nearest  Baptist  minister,  in  about 
50  miles.  The  writer  of  this  article,  although  at  that  time,  a  lad  of 
6  years  old,  well  remembers  the  solemnity  of  the  scene.  It  was  iu 
the  old  Log  House  and  was  among  his  earliest  convictions  of  sin. 
Eld.  Brown  preached  and  prayed  until  it  seemed  as  though  Heaven 
and  Earth  had  come  together. 

With  a  zeal  for  the  honor  of  his  master,  and  a  burning  love  for 
sauls,  scattered  in  that  wilderness  region,  Elder  Fox  was  abundant  iu 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :   J.  FOX.  313 

labors.  Often  threading  his  way  by  marked  trees,  over  hills,  tlirough 
vallies,  aud  fording  streams,  he  sought  out  and  woa  souls  to  Christ. 
Perseverance  aud  untiring  diligence,  were  the  elements  of  his  charac- 
ter. He  received  no  support — the  disciples  were  poor.  He  expected 
noue,  but  "he  endured  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible,"  while  he  had 
respect  uuto  the  recompense  of  reward.  Many  toils,  privations  and 
obstacles,  to  wiiieh  Christians  were  then  subject,  were  met  and  pa- 
tiently overcome.  One  aged  mother  in  Israel  came  8  miles  with  her 
husband  on  an  ox  sled,  through  the  woods,  to  enjoy  a  covenant  and 
communiou  season  at  the  Pastor's  house,  where  the  meetings  were 
held,  remaining  from  Saturday  till  Monday  in  his  family,  as  was 
usual  for  those  living  at  a  distance.  On  returning  to  their  homes  they 
were  beset  by  a  huge  Panther,  by  which  they  became  exceedingly 
alarmed  and  distressed  about  their  safety,  but  the  Presence  of  the 
God  of  Daniel  was  there,  and  the  fierce  animal  was  held  in  check. 
By  the  sweat  of  his  brow.  Elder  Fox  toiled  some  four  or  five  days  in 
the  week,  to  support  his  family,  and  the  remaining  part  of  the  time, 
he  preached,  traveled  and  planted  churches  in  the  following  places, 
from  10  to  20  miles  from  hia  residence  :  .Johnsburgh,  Minerva,  Schroou, 
Bolton,  Athol,  and  Thurman,  now  called  Warrensburgh.  These 
churches  now  comprise  a  large  part  of  the  Lake  George  Association. 
He  was  a  man  of  study  and  retlection,  to  which  he  often  gave  himself,  at 
the  fireside,  after  the  toils  of  the  day  were  ended.  His  business  hab- 
its were  systematic,  ready  aud  punctual.  Constant  exposure  and  fa- 
tigue, common  to  a  new  country,  brought  on  a  distressing  asthmatic 
complaint,  which  wore  upon  him,  until  1823,  at  the  early  age  of  60, 
the  earthly  house  gave  way.  A  little  before  his  departure,  he  pre- 
pared the  following  inscription  and  requested  it  might  be  placed  over 
his  grave.  "  Jkhiel  Fox  passes  this  way,  from  the  labors  of  the 
field  and  vineyard,  to  his  master.  Lo !  Grace  gives  the  triumph." 
Soon  after  this  the  Saviour  called — he  laid  off  his  armor,  sunk  down 
to  rest  and  now  sleeps  upon  the  battle  field  of  his  conflicts  and  war- 
fare.    His  flesh  rests  in  hope. 

Connected  with  this  ancient  organization  of  christian  churches,  we 
see  a  class  of  ministers  who  were  eminently  successful  in  gathering 
souls  to  Christ,  with  much  greater  toils  aud  hindrances,  and  far  less 
advantages  and  facilities  than  are  enjoyed  by  the  present  ministry. 
The  question  is  often  asked  in  what  did  their  success  consist  J 
"Where  was  their  moral  strength  ?  The  question  is  easily  answered. 
In  their  acts  and  prayers.  They  were  men  who  walked  and  com- 
muned with  God;  who  were  habitual,  fervent  and  effectual  in  prayer. 
They  went  up  daily  to  a  Throne  of  Grace  upon  their  knees,  bearing 
in  their  lips  and  presenting  to  God  his  own  written  promise  :  "  As 
thy  day  is,  so  shall  thy  strength  be,"  and  they  came  back,  richly  la- 
den, with  every  needed  blessing  they  asketl  for.  In  glancing  over  the 
past  history  of  the  old  Shaftsbury  Association,  which  has  been  the 
mother  of  so  many  association.s,  there  is  joy  mingled  with  grief. 

And  we  involuntarily  exclaim,  "  The  Fathers,  where  are  they  ? 
and  the  Peophets,  do  they  live  forever  J '  The  answer  is.  No.  The 
Prophets   are   dead,  and  tlie  Fathers  are  fallen  asleep.     The   Godly 


814  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATIOJC.  [APPENDIX. 

man  ceasetb  and  the  faithful  fail.  But  blessed  be  God.  The  church 
lives,  and  she  shall  live  and  triumph.  For  she  has  inscribed  upon 
her  banner,  the  oath  and  proraise  of  her  ascended  Lord  and  King,  "I 
am  he  that  was  dead  and  am  alive,  and  behold  I  live  forever  ;  amen  ; 
and  have  the  keys  of  Hell  and  of  death."  Therefore,  "  Because  I  live, 
ye  shall  live  also." 

The  above  sketch  was  contributed  by  Rev.  Norman  Fox,  for  twelve 
years  Pastor  <if  the  Baptist  church  at  Ballston  Spa,  Saratoga  co.  N". 
Y.  and  who  is  a  son  of  the  venerable  Jehiel  Fox.  It  is  a  proper 
tribute  of  filial  regird  to  the  memory  of  a  deceased  parent,  as  well  as 
a  just  tribute  to  his  worth  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and  a  pioneer 
laborer  in  the  new  settlements  of  his  adopted  county. 

The  name  of  Elder  Jehiel  Fox  is  found  in  the  Shaftsbury  minutes 
for  several  years,  from  the  St.  Coix  church  in  Hoosick  ;  but  in  1798, 
he  came  from  his  7i€io  home  to  represent  a  church  of  57  members, 
which  he  introduced  to  the  acquaintance  of  his  brethren,  of  the  asso- 
ciation. He  was  blessed  witli  a  large  increase  of  members  for  the 
next  four  years,  reporting  the  addition  of  no  less  than  140  in  those 
years,  56  of  them  in  the  year  1802,  and  making  a  membership  of  168. 
In  1805  his  church  was  dismissed  with  the  Saratoga  churches,  and  we 
can  give  no  further  official  statistics  of  its  condition,  as  it  never  uni- 
ted with  the  Saratoga  body  ;  but  formed  the  nucleus  of  what  is  now 
the  Lake  George  Association.  Buc  Elder  Fox,  "  though  dead  yet 
epeaketh,"  to  many  who  cherish  his  memory  in  their  hearts. 


VL     ELDER  ELISHA  D.  HUBBELL,  OF  HALFMOON,  N.  Y. 

Elder  Hubbkll  was  a  very  active  and  useful  member  of  the  Shafts- 
bury  Association,  for  nearly  twenty  years  ;  as  he  was  a  very  efficient 
Pastor  in  each  of  two  several  churches  in  this  body.  Hence,  tiiough 
he  lived  not  to  the  age  of  a  Hull,  a  Leland,  or  a  Werden  ;yet  from  the 
part  he  bore  for  many  years  in  the  business  of  the  Association,  as 
well  as  for  his  general  excellence  of  character,  his  skill  in  pastoral 
management,  and  his  talent  in  the  sacred  desk,  we  place  his  name 
among  the  men  of  God  whose  services  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  in 
the  affairs  of  this  body,  deserve  to  be  held  in  lasting  remembrance. 
From  reliable  sources,  we  gather  the  following  memorials  of  him. 

Elder  Hubbell  was  born  in  Danbury,  Fairfield  co.,  Conn.,  Jan.  14th, 
1795.  Experiencing  the  regenerating  grace  of  God  when  about  18 
years  of  age.  he  united  with  the  I3aptist  church  in  West  Stockbridge, 
Mass.,  by  which  church  he  was  first  sent  as  a  messenger  to  the  asso- 
ciation in  1814,  at  Schodaek,  N.  Y.  But  in  1816,  and  every  year  on- 
ward till  1822,  his  name  stands  recorded  as  a  delegate  or  minister 
from  the  Egremont  Baptist  church,  formerly  called  Great  Barrington, 
under  the  care  of  Elder  Jeduthan  Gray.  In  1818-19  his  name  is 
marked  as  a  licentiate o^  that  church;  and  in  1820  he  appears  as  an 
ordajoed  preneher  and  Pastor,  in  which  station   ha   continued    for 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  ;   E.  D.  HUBBELL.  315 

three  years.  He  -was  ordained  May  4th,  1820,  and  died  May  7th, 
1839,  consequently  he  bore  the  ministerial  office  19  years  and  3  days. 
Elder  Hubbell  did  not  labor  in  vain  in  Egremont,  for  every  year  some 
baptisms- were  reported  to  the  Association,  by  liis  church,  and  in 
1822,  they  reported  14,  with  a  total  of  217.  Still  no  large  accessiona 
took  place,  and  in  the  spring  of  1823,  he  resigned  the  charge  of  the 
church,  and  removed  to  Clifton  Park,  Saratoga  co.,  where  he  became 
assistant  Pastor  with  Elder  Abijah  Peck,  for  nearly  12  years.  At 
this  time  the  church  of  Elder  Peck  numbered  about  360,  scattered 
over  a  wide  extent  of  country,  and  occupying  two  meeting  houses, 
one  in  Clifton  Park,  and  the  other  at  Newtown  in  Halfmoon  township. 
It  is  believed  that  these  servants  of  God,  ever  labored  in  the  most 
perfect  harmony,  and  good  understanding,  during  the  whole  period  of 
their  joint  Pastorate ;  and  with  what  success,  the  continual  and 
healthy  growth  of  the  church  in  graces  and  numbers,  abundantly 
testified.  During  this  period,  231  were  baptised  into  the  fellowship 
of  the  church — some  every  year  ;  but  the  largest  numbers  during  the 
years,  1825  and  '26,  and  in  1831,  '32,  and  1834  respectively.  These 
were  revival  years,  and  embraced  the  period  of  three  several  revivals 
of  religion.  The  first  in  1825  and  'i26,  brought  into  the  camp  of  Jesus, 
about  80,  who  were  baptised  into  the  faith  of  the  Gospel.  The  next 
season  of  refreshing  was  during  the  years  1831,  and  '32,  all  one  revi- 
val, which  gathered  in  a  little  over  seventy  by  baptism,  making  their 
total  339,  in  the  latter  year.  In  1834,  they  reported  31  baptised 
again,  as  the  fruits  of  another  harvest  of  souls,  making  371  in  fel- 
lowship, at  the  time  this  church  asked  a  dismission  from  the  Shafts- 
bury  to  the  Saratoga  body.  During  Elder  Hubbell's  ministry  here, 
the  largest  reported  membership  of  this  ehui-eh  was  424,  in  the 
year  1826 ;  and  this  was  the  largest  number  they  ever  reported. 
In  the  year  1834  the  church  in  Halfmoon  was  set  off  by  itself,  and 
Elder  Hubbell  took  charge  of  this  new  interest,  for  a  few  months. 
But  in  the  fall  of  1835,  he  was  invited  to  remove  to  Jordan,  Onon- 
daga CO.,  N.  Y.,  and  labor  with  a  new  interest  just  rising  there,  into 
the  fomi  of  a  church.  He  commenced  his  labors  October  1st,  1835, 
and  tarried  only  three  years,  when  his  failing  health  admonished  him 
to  seek  another  location  for  his  impaired  constitution.  But  he  staid 
•with  the  Brethren  at  Jordan,  and  in  the  Cayuga  Association  long 
enough  to  become  endeared  to  their  hearts,  and  to  see  a  house  of  wor- 
ship completed  in  Jordan,  and  filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord  in 
the  salvation  of  some  30  precious  souls,  who  were  added  by  Baptism; 
and  a  total  membership  of  94,  which  has  now  become  a  strong  church 
of  260  members. 

Keturning  to  Clifton  Park  in  October,  1838,  Elder  Hubbell  took 
the  sole  pastoral  charge  of  the  church,  and  although  enfeebled  by 
disease,  and  unfit  for  pastoral  labor,  he  entered  into  the  work  of  the 
Lord  with  zeal,  and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  pleasure  of 
the  Lord  prosper  in  the  Mediator's  hands,  through  his  feeble  instrument- 
ality, during  a  protracted  meeting  effort  in  the  month  of  January,  1839. 
He  was  aided  by  his  ministering  Brethren  in  the  neighboring  churches ; 


316  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


but  lie  was  instant  iu  season  and  out  of  season  himself,  and  did  all  he 
could  to  persuade  sinners  to  be  reconciled  to  God,  as  he  said  he  felt 
that  this  was  the  last  revival  season  he  ever  sliould  enjoy  on  earth, 
and  he  could  not  hold  his  peace.  About  2!)  souls  were  hopefully  con- 
verted and  added  to  the  church,  much  to  his  satisfaction,  and  on  the 
second  Sabb.ith  in  April,  he  was  borne  to  ihe  house  of  God  by  his 
bretliren,  and  although  too  feeble  to  make  his  voice  heard  by  tlie 
church,  "  he  partook  with  his  brethren  and  sisters  for  the  last  time, 
of  the  symbols  of  thp  broken  body,  and  shed  blood  of  tiie  Saviour, 
very  much  to  his  spiritual  consolation.  The  circumstances  and  exer- 
cises of  this  occasion  made  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  on  the  hearts 
of  all  who  participated  iu  them." 

He  preached  his  last  sermon  at  the  meeting  house  of  the  Halfmoon 
church  in  Middletown,  on  the  third  Lord's  day  of  March,  at  the  fune- 
ral of  a  young  sister  iu  Clirist,  from  the  words,  "  Blessed  are  tlie 
dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  <i:c."  [Rex.  14  :  13.]  But  his  work  on 
earth  was  ilone,  and  he  only  waited  the  Master's  call  to  discharge 
him  from  the  service,  that  he  might  enter  into  the  joy  of  his  Lord.  He 
lingered  till  the  7th  of  May,  as  before  stated,  when  he  fell  asleep  in 
the  arms  of  Jesus,  and  added  his  dying  testimony  to  tlie  truths  of  the 
Gospel  he  had  preached. 

It  is  not  invidious  to  say  that  Elder  H.  was  one  of  the  best  of  our 

Ereachers ;  aud  that  his  piety,  his  zeal,  and  his  unceasing  efforts  to 
uild  up  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom  on  earth,  was  surpassed  by  none. 
But  he  has  gone — a'standard-bearerin  Israel  has  fallen.  Yet  we  have 
hope  in  his  death,  and  rejoice  in  the  consolation.  He  deceased  in  the 
45th  year  of  his  age.  He  left  a  wife,  who  had  been  deranged  for  sev- 
eral years,  aud  three  children,  in  peculiarly  afflictive  circumstances. 
His  wife,  once  the  kind,  amiable,  intelligent,  nnd  discreet  help-meet 
and  counsellor,  has  been  in  a  confirmed  state  of  insanity,  and  we  be- 
lieve, is  living  at  this  day.  But  God  doeth  all  things  right ;  and  it  is 
not  for  us  to  question  his  wisdom,  or  murnmr  at  his  dealings.  Elder 
Hubbell  preached  the  introductory  sermon  before  the  association  m 
1823,'28and  1832.  In  the  years  1827,  '28,  '29,  and  1831,  '33  aud 
1834  he  was  the  chosen  Moderator  among  his  brethren  ;  and  in  1821), 
and  1834-,  he  wrote  the  published  circular  letters,  besides  one  or  two 
of  tlie  corresponding  oues.  "  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and 
let  my  last  end  be  like  his." 


Vn.    ELDER  JUSTUS  HULL,  OF  BERLIN,  N.  Y. 

Of  this  venerable  servant  of  God,  so  long  the  successful  pastor  of 
a  large  church  in  Berlin,  Rensselaer  county,  N.  Y.,  we  would  make 
the  following  record,  from  such  materials  as  were  to  be  found.  Some 
of  the  facts  here  stated,  were  gathered  from  the  lips  of  his  am,  Dr. 
Emerson  Hull,  in  a  recent  visit  to  the  town  of  Berlin,  where  many  of 
the  Hull  family  still  reside. 


SEC.  11.]  MINISTERS  :    J.    HULL.  817 

Elder  Hjll  was  born  ia  Reading,  Conn.,  July  26tb,  1755,  but  when 
young  removed  with  his  parents  into  the  field  of  his  future  labors  in 
the  ministry  of  reconciliation.  From  a  manuscript  copy  of  his  reli- 
gious experience  we  g.ither  the  following  facts. 

When  about  18  or  19  years  of  age  he  was  awakened  to  a  sense  of 
his  true  condition  and  standing  as  a  sinner  befori}  (Jod,  under  the 
preaching  of  Elder  Clark  Rogers,  of  Hancock,  in  a  revival  among  his 
people,  about  the  year  1773  or  '74  He  says:  "  The  Infinite  sove- 
reign was  pleased  to  grant  a  reformation  among  the  people  in  Han- 
cock and  the  lower  part  of  this  town,  under  the  improvement  of  El- 
der Clark  Rogers,  whom  I  went  to  hear,  and  by  whose  means  I  re- 
ceived auoth-r  arrow  to  my  guilty  conscience,  to  my  great  awaken- 
ing. About  this  time  also,  the  private  christians  in  our  neighborhood 
kept  up  their  conferences,  which  I  attended.  And  now  the  important 
scenes  of  Eternity  rolled  with  such  weight  upon  my  mind,  that  I 
scarce  could  refrain  from  crying  out  in  their  meetings,  that  the  Lord 
would  have  mercy  on  my  soul,  and  save  it  from  the  burning  main ; — 
though  the  pride  of  my  wicked  heart  kept  it  as  much  a  secret  as  I 
possibly  could.  And  oft  when  I  loft  their  assemblies,  my  soul  was  so 
full  of  anguish  T  scarce  could  contain  myself  till  out  of  hearing  of 
the  people,  when  I  vented  myself  in  broken  accents  to  the  Lord  that 
he  would  spare  my  soul  from  hell."  And  after  relating  various  exer- 
cises of  a  similar  character,  he  says  again  :  "  Thus  my  soul  went 
bowed  down  all  the  day  long.  Desolation  like  a  mighty  flood,  rolled 
through  my  soul  from  day  to  day.  I  remember  1  oft  used  to  retire 
and  walk  the  lonely  groves  to  bewail  ray  most  dismal  and  unhappy 
circumstances.  At  length,  one  evening  in  a  solitary  walk,  I  had  such 
a  discovery  of  God  as  a  sovereign  ;  and  of  his  justice  in  the  execution 
of  his  most  holy  will,  that  his  law  was  holy,  just  and  good, — that  it 
was  all  around  my  defenceless  head  like  a  ilamiug  sword,  and  threat- 
ened me  with  destruction, — pointing  to  the  bottomless  pit,  and  pierc 
ing  my  poor  bleeding  heart.  Condemnation  was  written  in  my  soul ; 
.  ghastly  misery  opened  wide  her  devouring  jaws  to  receive  me  head- 
long." "  It  seemed  as  if  hell  was  gapiug,  devils  waiting,  and  my 
poor  soul  was  sinking.  But  when  all  hopes  failed  me,  and  I  expected 
in  a  few  moments  to  people  the  dark  regions  in  blaok  despair  ;  to  my 
joyful  surprise,  and  in  an  unexpected  way, — Ijehold  the  charming 
voice  of  a  Savior  reaches  my  ears,  full  fraught  with  gladsome  tidings 
of  peace  and  pardon  through  his  own  merits,  which  he  pleads  at  his 
Father's  throne." 

The  joy  of  his  espousals  he  expresses  in  the  following  language  : 
"My  mind  was  so  taken  up  with  the  view,  I  forgot  my  poverty  and 
misery  in  contemplating  the  glory  of  God  in  the  faoe  of  Jesus  Christ, 
I  saw  he  died  for  sinners  ;  died  that  the  dead  might  live, — that  the 
banished  exile  might  return  home, — that  the  prisoner  might  go  free, 
and  find  peace  with  God  their  Savior.  Now  with  the  eyes  of  my  un- 
derstanding, agreeably  to  the  written  word,  I  beheld  one  clothed  m 
•white.  Methinks  it  is  the.  Babe  of  Bethlehem, — the  Son  of  David, — 
Jesus  by  name, — Prince  of  life,  and  son  of  God.  Now  my  guilt  and 
horror  of  consoienco  all  departed  ;  and  peace,  tranquility,  and  sedate- 


318  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

ness  of  niiucl  possessed  ray  breast,  and  reigned  through  all  the  powers 
of  my  soul.  Notwithstanding  at  that  time  I  did  not  think  it  was  re- 
generation." This  was  at  the  age  of  nineteen.  But  nol  doing  his 
duty  in  professing  religion,  he  wandered  into  tlie  world  again  and  lost 
his  enjoyment  in  religion.  Again  lie  says:  "Then  I  wandered  for 
about  Jour  years,  till  I  was  better  than  three  and  twenty  years  of 
age.  At  length  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  send  that  son  of  thunder,  El- 
der Joseph  Barns  to  preach  among  us,  and  at  the  same  time  fulfilled 
bis  ancient  promise,  that  he  would  not  send  his  servant  where  he 
would  not  come  himself  ;  but  granted  his  attendance  in  the  chariot  of 
his  grace;  and  before  him  blew  the  gentle  gales  of  mercy,  waving 
the  lofty  ceJitrs  which  grew  in  nature's  forest.  All  opposition  seemed 
to  fall  to  the  ground,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  rode  in  t.iumph  in 
the  minds  of  the  people.  It  readied  so  far,  and  his  majestic  voice 
sounded  so  loud,  tliat  it  penetrated  my  adamantine  heart,  and  created 
an  exceeding  desire  in  my  soul  that  I  might  know  where  and  how 
my  standing  was  before  God.  And  this  was  my  cry:  '  O  Lord  !  in 
mercy  let  me  know  where  I  am; — if  an  heir  of  Heaven,  grant  some 
discovery  of  thy  glory.'  Then  my  soul  would  breathe  forward,  and 
try  to  reach  beyond  creation,  that  I  might  be  delivered  from  the  un- 
happy circumstances  I  was  in.  Anon  these  thoughts  would  pass  my 
mind  :  '  Is  there  no  mercy  for  me  ?  Must  I  at  last  go  down  to  people 
the  dark  regions  of  black  despair  V  At  length,  in  the  midst  of  my 
sorrow,  and  at  the  height  of  my  distress,  it  seemed  as  if  there  was  a 
door  opened  into  my  heart,  and  divine  glory  shone  in  the  face  of 
Jesus  Christ,  with  sucli  lustre  upon  my  soul,  that  it  captivated  every 
faculty  of  my  mind,  and  my  whole  immortal  part  was  swallowed  up 
in  Divine  wonder."  ■'  Now  I  was,  brought  to  believe,  to  love^  and  to 
adore  with  my  whole  soiil.  Oh  !  what  humility,^ — what  carefulness, — 
what  joy  and  hope  it  wrought  in  my  heart ;  I  felt  as  if  I  never  should 
commit  another  sin,  but  forever  swim  in  that  theme  ofjoy  suid  stream 
of  love,  till  it  brought  me  tt>  the  boundless  ocean  of  truedelight,  and 
everlasting  pleasure.  And  now  my  mind  was  led  back  to  view  my. 
former  experience,  which  I  had  past  through  four  years  past ;  and  I 
saw  that  law  and  gospel  shone  in  it  with  such  clearness  and  lustre, 
that  I  could  but  upbraid  my  unbelieving  heart ;  and  wonder  I  did 
not  believe  before."  Again  he  says  :  ''  And  oh  !  what  a  wonder  that 
ever  sueh  a  miserable  chief  of  sinners  should  find  favor,  and  be 
brought  into  union  with  God.  For  which,  0  Lord,  grant  I  may  for- 
ever praise,  bless  and  adore  thy  great  name,  in  prostration  at  tliy  sa- 
cred feet.  Now  my  soul  began  to  long  that  everi/  creature  should 
taste  and  see  how  good  the  Lord  is.  Upo«  which,  1  remember,  I  de- 
sired one  evening  to  free  my  mind  in  my  father's  family,  and  tell 
them  the  wonders  of  Gwl's  love  to  my  soul ;  which  I  attempted, 
though  in  weakness,  yet  tb.e  Lord  gave  me  strength,  M'ith  some  sweet 
comfort  in  my  soul.  I  then  retired  to  my  lodgings  for  repose.  But 
oh  !  such  a  night  as  this  I  never  before  enjoyed.  While  I  slept,  my 
heart  waked  and  ascended  on  high.  I  now  experienced  the  trutli  of 
that  inspired  Prophet  who  asserts  that  it  is  sweet  to  commune  with 
bis  own  heart  and  God,  and  could  join  with  the  spouse  in  her  affec- 


SEC.  II.]  ministers:  J.  hull.  '  819 

tionate  language,  '  My  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am  his.'  His  banner 
over  me  was  love,  and  his  fruit  was  sweet  to  my  taste." 

This  must  have  been  about  the  year  1778-9,  and  from  his  exercis- 
es, tliere  must  have  been  a  revival  of  considerable  power  in  the  place. 
He  says  futher  :  '•  Abt)ut  this  time,  great  numbers  were  brought  to 
bow,  (as  we  trust)  to  the  sceptre  of  the  blest  Immanuael ;  and  wc 
kept  up  a  steady  meeting  which  was  attended  with  a  large  audi- 
tory, in  which  meetings  my  soul  was  so  enlarged  towards,  aud  drawn 
out  in  thirsting  for  their  everlasting  well  being,  that  I  knew  not 
how  to  hold  my  peace.  While  the  Beauty  of  the  Mediator  shone 
with  such  lustre  in  my  soul,  and  I  beheld  such  virtue  in  his  blood, 
such  freeness  in  his  nature,  such  power  in  his  grace,  aud  such  an  over- 
flowing fountain  to  wash  away  sin  and  uncleaness  in,  that  I  could  but 
recommend  his  infinite  and  boundless  love  to  dying  men  and  women, 
though  in  a  weak  and  feeble  manner.  Yet  the  Lord  owned  and  bless- 
ed my  poor  endeavors,  and  still  carried  on  his  work  in  a  most  extra- 
ordinary manner.  Thus  I  labored  by  way  of  exhortation  too,  and 
prayer  for  my  fellow  youth,  that  they  would  return  from  their  vani- 
ties and  take  shelter  under  the  balmy  wings  of  everlasting  goodness, 
the  alone  love  of  a  crucified  Savior.  Such  heavenly  blessings,  such 
extacies  of  joy,  snl  sweet  delight,  used  to  flow  into  my  soul,  that  I  was 
ready  to  say  :  '  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none 
I  desire  upon  earth  beside  thee.'  Thus  I  traveled  for  about  nine 
months.  And  what  shall  I  render  unto  my  God  for  all  his  Mercies 
shown  ?" 

Thus  have  we  given  freely  his  own  words  from  this  manuseiipt.ex- 
perience,  saved  from  among  his  wasting  papers,  in  order  to.  show 
how  God  enriched  his  soul  with  a  large  experience  of  his  grace,  and 
thereby  iit^ed  him  to  be,  what  he  became  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gos- 
pel, both  a  son  of  thunder  to  awaken  the  careless  by  the  terrors  of 
Jehovah's  Law,  and  a  son  of  consolation  also  to  God's,  children,  by 
administering  to  them  the  comfort  wherewith  he  had  been.  cpmfQrted 
of  God.  ..     Y 

We  understand  that  he  did  some  service  in  the  army,  at  the  taking 
of  Burgoyne  in  1777  ;  and  the  next  year,  it  was  in  the  mind  of  Gen- 
eral Van  Rensselaer,  to  have  made  him  the  commander  of  a  brigade 
of  militia;  but  when  he  learned  he  had  begun  preaching,  he  withheld 
the  promotion,  lest  it  should  turn  him  from  his  duty.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear to  us  when  he  was  baptised,  whether  in  the  ilrst  revival  in  the 
year  1773-4  or  in  1778.  Most  likely  the  latter,  from  what  we  have 
learned. 

His  parents  were  Paedobaptists,  very  worthy  people  ;  but  he  read 
the  Scriptures'  for  himself,  believed  and  was  baptised,  and  after- 
wards had  the  pleasure,  of  baptising  his  father  and  mother,  about  the 
year  18UU,  and  most  of  his  own  brothers  and  sisters,  in  the  course  of 
his  ministry.  From  his  experience,  as  given  above,  we  conclude  he 
began  to  preach  in  177  8,  when  about  23  years  of  age.  And  we  are 
informed  that  he  traveled  and  preached  for  several  years  before  he 
was  drdained,  extending  his  excursions  into  Massachuestts  and  CoQ- 
necticut,  and    even  as  far     as  Virginia..    Among  his  manuscripts   ia 


^0  SHAFTSBIKY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

the  journal  of  one  of  his  excursions  in  the  year  1783,  from  July  I'Fth 
to  September  18th,  in  which  he  traveled  and  preached  through  the 
State  of  Massachusetts  to  Reading,  Conn.,  the  place  of  his  nativity, 
and  back  again  to  Berlin,  or  Little  Hoosick,  as  that  precinct  w&a 
called  till  about  the  year  1792.  Tlae  date  of  his  church  runs  to  the 
year  in  which  he  made  the  above  tour,  dating  from  Decemb'er  30th 
1783,  and  not  in  1785,  as  usually  given. 

Elder  Hull  was  ordained  to  the  pastoral  office  as  we  understand, 
February  2/5d,  1785,  in  the  thirtieth  year  of  his  age.*  The  same  year 
we  conclude  he  united  with  the  association,  as  he  was  the  preacher 
of  the  introductory  sermon  in  1786.  according  to  previous  appoint- 
ment. In  this  latter  year,  his  church  reported  only  43  members  in 
their  fellowship.  There  is  some  confusion  about  the  several  churches 
of  Little  Hoosick,  Stephentown  and  Berlin,  which  may  be  cleared  up, 
we  think  in  this  manner.  From  the  fact  that  the  Shaftsbury  associa- 
tion met  at  Stephentown  in  1782, '83,  and  '85,  we  infer  that  there 
must  have  been  an  early  church  organization  in  the  town,  that  became 
extinct  afterwards.  1'hat  it  became  extinct  is  evident  from  the  fact 
that  Elder  Hull's  church  was  afterwards,  in  1793,  called  Stephentown, 
and  1st  Stepiientown  in  1797,  when  the  present  Stephentown 
church  united  with  the  association  as  the  2d  Stephentown  church,  un- 
der the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Robert  Niles.  In  1800,  Elder  Hull's 
church  took  the  name  of  Stephentown  and  Petersburgh,  when  the 
town  of  Petersburgh  was  constituted,  as  we  suppose,  and  held  hat 
name  till  1806,  when  the  town  of  Berlin  having  been  constituted,  tthis 
church  took  the  new  name,  which  it  has  retained  to  this  day.  The 
other  church  was  constituted  June  16th  1796,  and  hence  does  not 
claim  to  liave  been  the  oldest  church  in  town.  But  Elder  Hull's 
church,  whatever  name  it  bore,  is  always  known  to  be  the  same  or- 
ganization, by  the  Elder's  name  among  them,  for  a  period  of  45  or  48 
years.  The  old  or  extinct  Stephentown  church  with  which  the  asso- 
ciation met,  may  have  been,  most  likely  was,  the  church  spoken  of  by 
Elder  Hull  in  his  experience,  as  existing  in  the  lower  part  of  the  town, 
when  he -was  but  19  years  of  age;  or  about  the  year  1774.  This 
may  have  been  a  brnnch  of  Elder  Roger's  church,  at  first.  But  enough 
here  Concerning  the  origin  of  tliese  churches. 

After  Elder  Hull's  ordin.ttion,  his  church  increased  by  a  steady 
growth  until  the  year  1800,  when  the  large  accession  of  135  is  record- 
ed in  a  single  year,  making  a  total  of  298  in  fellowship.  Thence  on- 
ward for  a  number  of  years,  there  was  a  gradual  increase  from  year 
to  year,  until  again  in  1811,  the  cloud  of  God's  Mercy  gathered 
about  the  hills  of  his  i  ural  district,  and  literally  poured  down  such  a 
ehower  of  Divine  grace  that  there  was  hardly  room  to  receive  it,  and 
the  vallies  of  Berlin  were  made  vocal  with  the  high  praises  of  our 
God  ;  while  the  mountain  tops  caught  the  sacred  joy,  and  it  was  veri- 
ly thought,  at  the  time,  that  angelic  songs  were  heard  in  the  air  over 
their  heads,  by  the  enraptured  sons  and  daughters  of  Zion.     So  great 

♦At  his  ordination.  Elder  J.  Morse  of  Sandlsfield  was  moderator,-  Elder  Nichols, 
Scribe,  who  also  made  tho  ordaining  prayer;  Elder  Morse  gave  the  charge ;  Elder 
Eathbun,  tho  hand  of  fellowship ;  aad  Elder  Tanner,  made  the  cloalng  prayer. 


SEC.  n.]  MINISTERS  :    }.  HULL.  321 

was  this  blessing  that  his  already  large  church  of  nearly  400  members, 
was  thronged  by  the  accession  in  one  year,  of  225  joyful  converts, 
swelling  his  numbers  to  611,  the  largest  membership  ever  reported  be- 
fore or  smce  by  any  church  to  this  association.  Concerning  this  wonder- 
ful work  of  grace,  Elder  Hull  wrote  the  following  account  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts Baptist  Missionary  Magazine.  It  is  in  the  number  for  June, 
1812,  page  171-174. 

"Extract  of  a  Letter  from  the  Rev.  Juxtus  Hull,  dated  Berlin,  State  of 
New  York,  County  of  Rensselaer,  Feb,  12,  1812.  Addressed  to  the 
Editor. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother, 

"The  small,  though  happy  acquaintance  I  have  formed  with  you* 
induces  me  to  indulge  myself  in  transmitting  to  you,  an  account  of 
the  wonderful  work  of  God,  which  of  late  hath  taken  place  among 
the  people  here.  The  heavens  have  dropped  down  fatness,  while 
Jesus  hath  rode  in  triumph  in  the  chariot  of  his  love  in  the  midst  of 
this  part  of  his  Zion.     Glory  t6  his  name  forever. 

"  The  Brethren  among  us  which  have  appeared  the  most  steady  and 
established,  have  been  greatly  revived.  Backsliders  have  joyfully 
returned,  while  a  multitude  of  sinners  have  been  awakened,  and  we 
trust  brought  to  the  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth,  to  the  praise  and 
honour  ot  reigning  grace.  The  work  began  about  the  first  of  August 
last.  It  soon  spread  in  every  direction,  and  we  still  hope  it  is  not 
wholly  extinct.  There  have  been,  I  think,  two  hundred  and  four 
added  to  thii  church  in  this  revival.  I  believe  about  one  hundred 
and  twenty  bave  joined  the  seven-day  Baptist  Church  three  miles 
north  of  this  ;  and  about  thirty  have  joined  the  open  communion 
Baptists  five  miles  south.  Not  one  to  my  knowledge  has  joined  any 
other  order,  who  has  been  awakened  in  this  reformation.  It  has  been 
a  precious  harvest  of  souls  for  so  short  a  time! — Oh!  that  our  glo- 
rious Lord  would  unfurl  his  banner  more  and  more,  and  spread  the 
trophies  of  his  grace  far  and  wide,  until  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord. 

"  This  work  first  made  its  appearance  in  a  young  man,  who  by  a 
email  circumstance  in  providence,  had  his  mind,  pointed  to  the  day 
of  judgment,  and  who  found  he  was  not  prepared  for  that  solemn 
scene.  His  mind  appeared  to  be  greatly  distressed  for  a  number  of 
days,  till  at  length  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  deliver  his  soul,  and  en- 
abled him  to  skout  the  victory.  He  soon  came  forward,  and  gave  a 
public  relation  of  what  God  had  done  for  him,  to  the  joy  of  the  re- 
deemed. The  holy  flame  kindled  and  spread  like  electrical  fire.  The 
brethren  in  that  neighborhood  immediately  set  up  prayer  and  con 
ference  meetings.  The  people  very  generally  assembled,  and  the 
Lord  poured  out  his  Spirit  upon  his  children ;  a  spirit  of  prayer,  be- 
yond what  I  had  ever  witnessed. 

"  These  meetings  soon  became  general  in  almost  every  part  of  the 
town,  and  for  the  space  of  three  months,  I  believe  thefe  was  not  a 
Bingle  night  but  there  were  from  two  to  five  meetings  in  the  different 


322  SHAFTSBUEY   ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

parts  of  tbo  town.  At  this  time,  and  indeed  for  some  time  before,  I 
h  ad  discovered  great  perturbation  9,f  mind,  and  travail  of  soul  in  pa^^ 
rents  for  liieir  children,  and  lor  the  rising  generation.  Their  prayers 
were  almost  iucossaut  at  the  throne  of  grace,  that  God  would  have 
mercy  upon  the  dear  youth.  The  spirit  of  conviction  was  very  pow- 
erful in  those  meetings  ;  numbers  were  often  heard  crying  out,  "Lord, 
have,  mercy  upon  me,  1  am  going  to  hell ."  Others  were  struck  numb, 
and  losing  the  use  of  their  limbs,  would  fall  prostrate  to  the  floor, 
and  lie  helpless  and  speechless  for  the  space  of  an  hour  or  more,  al- 
though they  seemed  to  retain  their  senses  in  the  mean  time  as  per- 
fectly as  ever.  Some  of  those,  when  they  came  out  of  this  state, 
seemed  to  wake  as  if  in  a  new  world,  crying  "  Glory  to  God,  who 
hath  redeemed  my  soul !"  Others,  when  the  agitation  of  body  left 
them,  appeared  to  be  much  as  they  were  when  it  found  them. 
Among  those,  who  in  a  judgment  of  charity  have  experienced  relig- 
ion, either  with  or  without  these  bodily  exercises,  there  appears 
little  <jr  no  ditforence  in  the  nature  and  moral  etfects  of  their  religion  ; 
but  all  appear  to  unite  in  the  cause  of  truth  and  love.  It  has  been 
a  general  remark  among  the  old  christians,  that  they  rarely  ever 
saw  young  converts  brought  out  so  strong  and  happy,  and  appa- 
rently so  near  heaven,  as  a  number  of  these  seemed  to  be. 

"  In  about  the  height  of  this  reformation,  at  a  preparatory  meeting 
previous  to  eummunion,  the  church  convened  on  a  Saturday,  when 
tlierc  appeared  a  number  of  candidates  for  baptism,  who  wished  to 
relate  their  experiences  to  the  church,  which  was  immediately  at- 
tended to.  The  meeting  continued  till  night  came  on,  and  we  were 
not  through  ;  we  then  adjourned  till  the  next  morning  at  nine  o'clock, 
at  which  time  a  multitude  of  people  assembled,  and  the  whole  day 
was  occupied  in  hearing  the  wonderful  works  of  grace  in  the  hearts 
of  sitmera,  until  night  overtook  us,  and  we  still  had  not  got  through. 
Thus  we  continued  our  meetings  for  five  days  successively,  until 
Wednesday  morning,  with  an  increasing  multitude  every  day  !  la 
the  mean  wliile,  our  evening  meetings  were  disseminated  in  the  va- 
rious parts  of  the  town,  and  the  Lord  wrought  wonders  in  these 
meetings:  so  that  on  one  of  these  evenings  there  were  13  souls  hope- 
fully converted  !  And  although  we  had  not  got  through  examining 
the  candidates  on  Wednesday  morning,  yet  it  was  thought  advisable 
to  proceed,  and  baptise  those  that  were  ready.  We  then  repaired  to 
the  river  side,  where  prayer  was  Avont  to  be  made,  and  hailed  a  Sa- 
viour's name,  as  on  fair  Jordan's  banks  ;  then  in  the  midst  of  praying 
hundreds,  and  a  surrounding  multitude,  I  joyfully  immersed  beneath 
the  "yielding  wave"  fixty-seven  happy  souls.  This  was  done  in 
the  space  of  thirty-two  minutes  and  a  half,  by  the  watch.  Whether 
it  would  not  have  taken  as  long  a  time  to  have  sprinkled  as  many 
infants,  judge  ye. 

"  This  revival  had  a  good  effect  on  society  in  general.  The  ball 
chambers  are  left  empty,  the  card  tables  deserted,  and  almost  eveiy 
house  has  become  a  Bethel ;  and  a  multitude  of  souls,  we  trust,  are 
made  a  fit  ;^'esidence  for  the  Lord.  While  the  Lord  reigns,  the  earth 
is  called  upon  to  rejoice.    Oh  !  that  my  feeble  soul  might  bear  some 


5£C.  II.]  MINISTERS  ;  /.  HULL.  323 

part  in  Uiose  ioiraortal  strains  of  hallelujah  to  God  and  the  Lamb, 
for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  cliildreii  of  men  I 

"There  is  one  circumstance  which  has  occurred  among  U3,  wliieii  1 
would  briefly  notice,  viz  :  In  about  the  height  of  this  reformation,  one 
evening  at  a  meeting,  a  number  of  people  wont  to  the  door,  and  they 
say,  they  beard  a  concert  of  music  or  singing,  in  the  air  over  their 
heads.  I  belie^'e  there  are  as  many  as  one  hundred  persons  who  say 
they  have  heard  it  distinctly,  though  not  all  to  understand  what  the 
words  were  ;  those  who  do,  say  they  sang  "  (rlory  to  God  in  the 
hi(/hest.  on  the  earth  peace,  (food  ivill  tovMrdi  men  !'' 

"  This  singing  has  been  said  to  have  been  heard,  I  believe,  as  many 
as  a  dozen  or  tif  teen  times,  and  by  a  number  of  as  good  moral  char- 
acters as  we  have  among  us.  They  tell  us  there  appeared  to  be  a 
multitude  of  voices  of  ditlereut  tones,  all  praising  God  in  the  highest. 
I  cannot  vouch  for  the  truth  of  the  fact,  tlwugh  we  have  the  united 
testimony  of  a  great  many  g(.iod  moral  characters  to  its  truth.  It 
still  continues  to  be  heard  at  different  times,  and  at  different  places, 
for  eight  or  ten  miles  round.  Whether  the  angels  have  come  down 
or  not,  I  cannot  say  ;  one  thing  is  evident,  there  has  been  great  re- 
joicing here  among  men,  women  aud  children  ;  and  I  know  not  but 
that  it  has  reached  the  heavens,  aud  that  the  angels  have  come  down 
to  hail  us  welcome*  Oh  !  my  Brother,  how  blessed  it  is,  that  there 
is  a  way  cast  up  for  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  to  pass  in,  that  shinea 
brighter  and  brighter  unto  the  perfect  day.  Yet  we  never  see  ita 
lustre  but  when  we  choose  Mary's  seat  in  some  humble  spot  near  the 
feet  of  Jesus.  Then  our  soids  are  made  as  the  chariot  of  Ammina- 
dab. 

"  It  can  hardly  be  expecte^,  but  that  in  such  a  gathering  there  will 
be  hay,  wood  and  stubble  ;  but  we  think,  with  prudence  and  energy 
hi  the  church,  the  word  of  the  Lord  will  purify  his  people. 

"  The  gi'eatest  number  I  have  baptised  have  been  from  sixteen  to 
twenty-four  years  of  age,  and  I  should  say,  not  twenty  that  are  thirty 
years  old,  and  I  believe  there  are  as  many  as  sixty  from  nine  to  six- 
teen years.f 

I  remain  yours  affectionately, 

JUSTUS  HULL." 

Elder  Hull  had  the  assistance  of  Elders  Alderman  Baker,  and  Eber 
Moffatt  for  some  years,  in  the  care  of  this  large  flock.  And  still  hia 
labors  were  owned  of  God  to  the  good  of  souls,  down  to  the  year  1825, 
when  his  name  is  seen  for  the  last  time  on  the  Shaftsbury  minutes,  as 
the  Pastor  of  this  church.  For  some  reason,  we  cannot  here  explain. 
Elder  Hull's  church  withdrew  from  the  association  at  the  last  men- 

*  "  We  ofl'er  no  opinion  respecting  the  singing  mentioned  above,  but  give  it  to 
our  readers  as  it  was  communicated. — EDiToii."  ^ 

+  Thia  letter  wsa  not  attained  by  tlie  compiler,  until  this  work  had  reached  the 
appendix,  or  it  Rhould  have  been  inserted  at  page  1.3.9 — 4  where  the  revival  is  alluded 
to.     Hence  it  is  inserted  in  Elder  HuH's  biography,  as  the  next  most  appropriate 

Slace.  The  compiler  hereby  tenders  his  thanks  to  the  Rev.  J.  G.  "Warren  of  the 
Forth  Baptist  church  in  Troy, for  tlie  privilege  of  copying  the  letter,  from  his  file  of 
the  Magazines. 


324  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION,  [APPENDIX. 

tioaed  date  ;  although  for  the  year  1830-32  his  name  occurs  as  a  min- 
ister aud  delegate  from  the  1st  Nassau  church  ;  to  which,  duriug  these 
yeard  about  65  were  added  by  baptism,  evincing  the  fruitfuluess  of 
his  ministry,  even  m  his  old  age.  But  he  still  resided  h\  Berlin, 
among  his  own  people,  where  he  finished  his  earthly  career,  May  29th 
1833,  aged  77  years,  10  months,  and  3  days,  and  in  the  49th  year  of 
his  public  ministry.  If  we  reckon  the  years  he  preached  before  or- 
dination, it  would  make  65  years  labor  in  winning  souls  to  Christ. 

He  was  honored  among  his  brethren  as  preacher  of  the  annual  ser- 
mon, or  Moderator,  or  clerk  of  the  association,  a  number  of  times, 
which  duties  he  fultilled  with  geaeral  acceptance.  The  following  tes- 
timony to  his  worth  is  from  the  lips  of  Elder  John  Leland,  who  lived 
at  no  great  distance  from  him,  and  was  often  his  companion  in  labor. 
He  made  this  statement  in  preaching  his  funeral  sermon,  viz: 
"  That  he  had  been  acquainted  with  about  eleven  hundred  Baptist 
ministers,  and  he  thought  that  Elder  Hull  possessed  the  most  of  the 
Ohristain  and  ministerial  graces  of  any  one  he  ever  met  with."  (Bene- 
dict    New  ed.  550.) 

With  no  pretensions  to  an  education,  but  with  a  strong  mind  natural- 
ly, a  pious  heart,  and  a  deeply  consecrated  spirit  of  devotion  did  this 
man  of  God  apply  himself  to  the  great  work  of  the  ministry.  And 
what  results  have  we  seen  from  a  ministry  fulfilled  with  industry  and 
perseverance,  for  nearly  half  a  century  in  one  general  field  of  labor, 
though  often  abroad  to  preach  among  the  destitute  in  regions  beyond 
his  appropriate  field  ?  More  than  760  were  added  to  his  church  from 
1788  to  1817,  or  in  a  period  of  30  years,  the  most  active  and  success- 
ful of  his  ministry.  From  his  church  were  sent  off,  one  after  another, 
colonies  of  Brethren  and  sisters,  that  made  the  following  churches  on 
the  east,  north,  west,  and  southwest,  viz :  Williamstown,  Mass.,  Peters- 
burgh  ;  Grafton  ;  and  1st  Sandlake,  (now  called  Poestenkill)  in  Rensse- 
laer county,  N.  Y. 

How  honorable  to  have  been  the  instrument  under  God,  of  so  much 
good  in  his  day  and  generation  !  and  to  have  set  in  motion,  influences 
in  every  direction,  that  shall  continue  to  benefit  men,  while  time  last. 
The  memory  of  Elder  Hull,  oh  how  sweet  and  reviving  in  many 
hearts,  that  used  to  hear  his  earnest  voice  in  prayer  and  praise,  and 
who  heard  from  his  lips  the  word  of  life  ?  His  kiiidn^s?  and  candor 
of  demeanor  won  him  many  friends,  and  now  he  is  gone,  may  the 
memory  of  his  public  and  private  worth  and  usefulness,  long  incite 
his  successors  to  a  like  faithfulness  in  the  service  of  the  same  Mas- 
ter. 

The  following  inscription  may  be  read  from  Elder  Hull's  tomb- 
stone about  two  miles  south  of  the  village  of  Berlin,  where  his  dust 
reposes  in  the  family  burial  ground,  amidst  the  dust  of  some  40  or  60 
of  the  same  name.* 

•  Of  the  family  of  Elder  Hull,  we  might  make  the  following  record,  as  it  is  now, 
and  has  been  a  considerable  element  in  the  population  of  the  town  of  Berlin. 

His  father,  Daniel  Hull,  Esq.,  had  six  sons,  of  whom  Justus  was  the  second,  and 
three  daughters.  If  we  are  correctly  informed,  lie  not  only  baptised  his  parents,  but 
»\1  his  brothers,  saye  one,  and  his  three  sisters.  And  all  this  family,  e.xcept  one 
brother,  and  one  sister  of  his,  with  most  of  their  companions,  aud  some  of  their 


SEC.  n.]  MINISTERS  :   N.  KENBRICK  325 

■"  Ih  memory  of  Ret.  Justus  Hull; 
who  died  May  29,  1838  ; 
in  the  76th  year  of  his  age, 
and  the  56tli  of  his  ministry •. 
"Soon  as  kis  soul  by  grace  was  well  refined, 
**  He  preached  the  Savior  with  a  ready  miad ; 
"  No  frowns  nor  bribes  could  -check  his  sacred  zes^ 
*'  la  p{-«aching  what  the  scrLptures  did  reveal. 
*  Ferveat  ia  spirit  and  faithful  unto  death, 
"His  course  he  finished,  holding  fast  the  faith: 
"'  Patient  he  bore  his  paie  and  dying  strife, 
"  And  died  believing  what  he  preached  in  life, 
"  My  work  is  done,  he  said,  and  closed  lias  eyes, 
■"And  took  his  speedy  flight  to  paradise." 

These  lines  are  from  the  pen  of  his  friend  and  broiher^  Eldei*  Jdba 
Lcland 


Vlll.    ELDER    NATHANIEL   KENDRICK,    D.  D.,   OF    HAM- 
ILTON, N.  Y, 

This  distinguished  minister  and  theological  instructor  of  our  later 
Baptist  ministry,  was  five  j'ears  a  pastor  in  the  Shaftsbury  Associa- 
tien,  and  therefore  may  be  entitled  to  a  brief  notice  in  this  portion  of 
our  work.  It  will  be  recollected  by  those  who  have  read  the  annals 
of  the  Body  for  the  years  1806-10,  that  Elder  Kendrick  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  association,  as  pastor  of  the  Lansingburg  Baptist  church ; 
and  for  four  years  he  was  clerk  of  the  body,  and  always  aetive  in  its 

children  and  children's  children,  are  burled  In  the  same  yard, — four  generations,— 
to  the  number  tsf  forty  or  fifty  graves,  awaiting  the  resurrection  power  of  the 
Lord  Jesns,  to  raise  them  to  their  proper  rewards  in  the  future  state.  There  are  yet 
Jiving  in  the  town  of  Berlin  about  fifteen  distinct  families  by  the  name  of  Hull,  de- 
scendants of  Daniel  Hull,  Esq.,  having  some  60  to  75  persons  in  them  all;  besid« 
many  who  have  removed  into  various  parts  of  the  land. 

Elder  Hull  left  four  children,  Justus  Pierce  Hull,  and  Dr.  Emerson  Hull,  (both 
living  in  the  town,)  and  Dr.  Alouzo  G.  Hull,  of  New- York  city,  and  for  12  years  a 
practitioner  in  London,  England.  Tliis  latter  invented  a  pin  machine,  patented  in 
Ensland,  France  and  Germany.  He  had  one  daughter  also,  who  is  dead.  The  two 
sons  first  named,  and  the  daughter,  have  been  baptised  since  his  death. 

Elder  Hull  wrote  some  poetry  that  has  been  sung  among  the  saints  in  their  wor- 
ship. The  following  incident  is  peculiar,  though  verified  by  the  solemn  affirmation 
of  the  narrator  himself  to  the  compiler  of  this  work,  and  to  several  of  his  brethren 
in  Berlin.  Dr.  Emerson  Hull  asserts  that  at  three  several  times  since  his  father's 
decease,  he  has  dreamed  of  seeing  him,  and  hearing  him  preach.  His  appearance 
■was  perfeetly  natural,  his  look  pleasant  as  in  life  when  preaching,  but  the  vision  al- 
ways vanished  ere  he  could  get  near  enough  to  him,  as  he  greatly  desired,  to  speak 

The  la.s't  instance  of  the  kind  was  in  March,  1W)8,  and  wa?  on  this  w'se.  An  old 
citizen  of  the  town  (still  livins,  Mav  2nd,)  had  died,  as  the  dream  was,  and  Elder 
Hull  attended  the  funeral  of  his  old  neighbor,  and  preached  a  very  appropriate  ser- 
mon ft\5m  Hebrews,  9 :  27.     "  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die,  but  after  this 

15 


326  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

meetiDgs.  And  in  1808  and  1809  he  performed  missionary  tours  of 
three  months  each  into  Western  New  York,  and  Upper  Canada,  un- 
der the  appointment  of  the  association,  with  good  success.  We  there- 
fore give  him  a  place  among  the  worthies  of  this  body.  For  many 
of  the  particulars  of  this  sketch,  we  are  indebted  to  an  article  in  the 
New  York  Chronicle,  Vol.  I.,  pages  129-137,  which  we  shall  use  for 
our  purpose. 

Elder  Kenduick  was  born  in  Hanover,  New  Hampshire,  April  '22d, 
1717.  His  parents,  Samuel  and  Anna  Kendrick,  were  among  the 
first  settlers  of  the  town,  and  distinguished  by  those  sterling  traits 
that  marked  the  early  New  England  character.  His  parents  were 
members  of  the  Congregational  church.  He  was  the  oldest  of  seven 
sons  and  two  daughters,  and  early  devoloped  marks  of  an  uncommon 
strength  of  mind  and  character.  He  labored  on  the  farm  till  he 
was  twenty  years  old,  but  obtaining  his  father's  consent  to  act  for 
himself,  he  began  to  improve  his  mind  more  directly,  by  attending  an 
academical  school  and  by  teaching,  though  still  laboiing  as  convenient 
on  his  father's  farm. 

About  this  time  a  religious  awakening  occurred  in  the  neighbor- 
hood in  connection  with  a  small  Baptist  church,  which  held  its  meet- 
ings in  school-houses,  without  a  pastor  or  house  of  worship.  Among 
the  early  subjects  of  this  work  was  his  cousin,  Clark  Kendrick,  af- 
terwards for  many  years,  the  useful  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  iu 
Poultney,  Vt.  This  work  spread,  and  as  its  result,  more  than  forty 
persons  united  finally  with  the  Baptist  church.  Nathaniel  became  a 
convert  in  this  revival,  but  his  education  having  been  with  the  Paedo- 
Baptists,  it  cost  him  a  struggle  of  mind,  and  a  thorough  investigation 

the  judgment."  At  the  close  of  the  discourse,  he  said  he  would  sing  a  few  lines,  as 
he  used  to  do  sometimes  after  preaching.  He  then  sung  in  a  clear,  natural  voice,  the 
words  below,  in  a  suitable  tune ;  hotli  the  jcorda  and  the  tune  being  entirely  new 
to  the  interested  auditor,  and  making  such  an  impression  upon  his  lieart  and  mem- 
ory, that  he  clearly  remembers  and  repeats  hoth,  although  never  accustomed  to  sing 
scarcely  at  all.  After  dictating  the  words  to  the  compiler,  he  sung  them  with  a 
deep-felt  interest  of  filial  respect  to  the  memory  of  a  departed  parent,  whom  ho 
soon  hopes  to  meet  where  the  kindred  of  the  good  shall  no  more  be  separated. 
Here  is  the  hymn : 

"I'm  done  preaching  the  Gospel  on  this  mortal  shore, 
"I'm  only  reviewing  what  I  have  preached  here  before; 
"Tetl  have  the  credentials  by  which  you  may  know 
"That  God  through  Christ  .Jesus,  pardons  sinners  below. 

"■And  if  my  credentials  you  would  like  to  see, 

"I  answer,  the  Bible  I  will  show  unto  thee; 

"And  if  you  disbelieve  and  set  it  at  naught, 

"  God  will  reject  you  when  in  judgment  you're  brought. 

"I  have  done  preaching  and  praying  with, mortals  below, 
'•My  mission  is  ended  and  backl  must  go^ 
"To  fill  that  blest  mansion  in  Heaven  above, 
"Where  angels  and  saints  praise  God  in  his  love." 

Such  is  the  substance  of  this  remarkable  dream,  with  an  exact  copy  of  the  hymn 
sung.  Wo  tell  it  as  a  dream  only.  What  it  portends  to  the  living  we  cannot  say ; 
but  comes  it  not  like  a  voice  from  the  dead  to  heed  the  Gospel  so  long  proclaimed 
by  this  venerable  servant  of  God  ? 


*}iC.  l.J  MINISTERS  :    N.  KENDRlCff.  337 

aid  in  his  iDouiris  he  procured    rnmfh"^"'';        !""!'"«  ^^'  "''e^'  «f 

ing,  and  on  whose  preaching  he Thl^fl^  Jf  T  "\'^'^°'"  he  was  board- 
reasons  for  their  re^spective'op'Jo 'f  ^9  11  1''^'l^  statement  of  their 
the  New  Testament  narkin-Tn^  f  dissatisfied,  he  then  read 
Which  related  to  th\"';u";^;c  Tf  ^Sm'^^T^hr  rSuU""  '^'Z  P'^-^^^ 

the  people,  to  be  a  fuithfid Told  or  ^°;°  P"^^'^'^  ''at'fied  before  all 
vant  in  the  Lord's  vineya  Durin-.  the'fT'' ^"'^  a  diligent  ser- 
baptism,  his  mind  was  rnnnh^^  ^  .  •  ""  Jears  succeeding  his 
prLchingtheGospe7buthesh,nnW  '"^  T^-"'"^  *"  '^^  ^"^7  «f 
bdity  a.\tteHy  unwoVthv  of  h.  n  ^  -^^^'^^  ^^  ^"^'^  '^'p'^^'^' 

Chrilt.     But  im^ressld  w'fh  such  a  ?ense?"/T  "'  S'  ^"'^  ^^^^  ^ 
at  length  arranged  for  a  cour  e  of  sS      T.'^^'^r.  *'^*^  ^"^ject,  he  .' 
CHl  Institution  to  which  he  could  ret,  t^at  thart1tne'7  7  T'^^'^^'*  ' 
four  months  in  severe  preparatory  study  wifhfh' n'"°^     'P"""^ 
minister  of  Hanover,  and  then   nursnl  1^^.31  1  Cong,-egational 

n^onths^ithRev.  Dr'.  BaETox%r?he4rd  vJ^'^'L^'f  r  'T  f" 
wishes  of  his  own  church  to  crwThL.l   v  1      ^  declined  the 

them  to  lay  the  ma^tt  Jo^rf  "hVTo^d  S  B^pti^s^f '  "^"1  "'^^^ 
Its  next  session.  But  they  referred  irbacktol^l  V  T'""'?"  ^* 
counsel  of  other  churches  as  thp  «nnrn     •  .         t^e  church,  with  the 

wards  settled  in  Lanifngburgh  /?'  L  sl"t ed  1^'^'^'.'  ^°',  ^"^•- 

here,  who  had  juftbeen^coittitJJedr,'^*  '"^"^^"^  of  brethren 
struggles  to  secure  a  f^othold^in  lat  nterttS'  v^illl  ^""^  1°'^^* 
with  cheerfulness,  devotin^^  a  nortinn  nf  t,;   !       ^.     "^°f'.  '^^  ^h^^^ed 

school  to  make  up  thlTfi^i^ n'oy  o  hifsmi  sX  ?  ^'S?/  t'"* 
creased  slowly  under  his  carP  till  1,0  IffTu  ^^^^'^y-  .  ^^^  church  in- 
to the  association  in  1810     '  '  '"^"'^^"^  *^  "^^'^^^'s 


328  SHAFTSBURy  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

cinity ;  at  Monkton,  Bridport  and  New  Haven.  And  yet  he  was 
compelled  to  spend  much  of  his  time  in  teaching  school  to  secure  the 
means  of  sustenance  for  his  family.  Repeated  deaths  in  his  family 
during  the  period  of  his  residence  tliere,  and  among  them  his  wife, 
with  the  severe  labors  of  his  position,  so  wore  upon  bis  energies,  that 
he  at  last  thought  it  his  duty  toremove  to  some  other  field  of  labor  bet- 
ter adapted  to  his  necessities.  Receiving  a  call  in  the  spring  of  ?817, 
from  the  Baptist  churches  in  Eaton,  N.  Y.,  to  become  their  pastor,  he 
laid  the  subject  before  tlie  church  in  Middlebury,  asking  their  advice 
respecting  Ins  duty.  They  tliought  he  should  remain,  and  began  ef- 
forts to  raise  him  a  more  worthy  support,  but  soon  gave  up,  and  left 
him  to  act  his  own  convictions  of  duty.  As  a  result,  he  accepted  the 
call  of  the  Eaton  churches,  and  in  July,  1817,  removed  and  took 
chai'ge  of  them,  a  statisn  he  filled  for  many  years. 

In  1822  he  was  elected  Professor  of  Theology  and  Moral  Philoso- 
phy, in  the  newly  founded  Seminary  at  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  in  whoso 
success  he  had  become  interested,  and  with  whose  history  he  became 
identified  for  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  preached  the  first  annual 
sermon  before  the  New  York  Baptist  Education  Society  in  1818,  at 
Sandiefield,  and  was  early  an  active  member  of  the  Board  of  that 
Society,  and  of  its  Executive  Committee ;  as  he  .also  was  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  and  Collecting  Agent,  for  many  years  previous  to  his 
last  sickness  and  death.  In  1824  he  removed  his  residence  to  the 
village  of  Hamilton,  though  he  continued  to  supply  the  church  at 
Eaton  A'illage  with  preaching,  several  years  afterwards. 

But  his  great  work,  during  the  last  twenty-five  years  of  his  life, 
was  to  aid  the  enterprise  of  rearing  an  Institution  of  sound  Theolo- 
gical and  Chissical  learning,  wliere  the  young  men  of  cur  Baptist 
churches,  whose  minds  were  drawn  toward  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
might  find  the  means  and  facilities  they  needed  to  further  their  pre- 
paration for  this  great  and  responsible  work.  His  own  want  of  op- 
portunities but  increased  his  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  enter- 
prise, and  to  it  he  consecrated  the  maturity  of  his  valuable  life. 
With  what  success  he  and  HascaU,  his  noble  compeer,  toiled  in  this 
work,  let  the  pros]>erons  history  of  our  beloved  institution  at  Hamil- 
ton, and  the  increased  power  for  usefulness  of  hundreds  of  pastors 
throughout  the  land,  and  among  the  heathen,  who  have  been  educated 
in  that  institution,  bear  witness. 

We  cannot,  however,  run  out  the  details  of  his  life  and  labors  in 
this  brief  sketch  of  him.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  after  serving  his 
generation  by  the  will  of  God,  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  in 
aiding  to  prepare  ministers  for  their  work  for  nearly  half  a  century, 
he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  we  trust,  and  went  up  to  stand  and  minister 
in  the  presence  of  the  glorious  Redeemer  in  Heaven. 

He  died  on  Monday,  September  11th,  1848,  aged  71  years,  after  a 
painful  sickness  of  three  years,  caused  by  a  fall  that  injured  his  hip- 
joint,  causing  the  bone  to  decay,  and  rendering  him  perfectly  helpless 
in  his  bed.  But  while  his  "  outer  man  perished,  his  inner  man  wa3 
renewed  day  by  day,"  and  he  enjoyed  large  experiences  of  the  Di- 
viue  favor  amidst  hia  excruciating  agonies  of  boily.     In  his  last  sick 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :    J.  LELAND.  829 

ness  he  ceased  not  to  labor  and  pray  for  his  favorite  institution.  He 
inquired  after  its  prosperity,  and  even  dictated  letters  to  its  friends 
to  encourage  their  hopes  amid  the  trials  and  labors  they  endured  for 
its  support.  He  loved  it  with  a  master  passion,  and  that  passion  was 
strong  even  to  death. 

Amidst  his  sufferings  at  one  time,  he  vrhispered  :  "  I  am  too  weak 
to  pursue  a  connected  train  of  thought,  but  I  feel  the  foundation  firm 
beneath  me,  and  death  has  no  tenors."  He  made  arrangements  for 
his  funeral,  selecting  a  preacher,  text,  and  one  of  the  hymns  to  be 
sung  on  the  occasion.  Dr.  Eaton  was  the  preacher  ;  the  text  was 
Psalm,  43  :  5, — and  the  hymn  that  one  commencing, 
"  I'll  praise  my  Maker  with  my  breath." 

But  in  the  absence  of  Dr.  Eaton  from  the  place,  (it  being  the  time 
of  the  fall  vacation,)  Elder  Alfred  Bennett,  an  old  friend  and  fel- 
low-laborer in  the  cause  of  God,  preached  the  sermon  to  a  vast  con- 
course of  people  in  the  meeting-house  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Hamilton,  and  his  mortal  remains  were  deposited  iu  the  cemetery  of 
the  Institution. 

Thus  lived  and  labored  and  died,  this  great  and  good  man ;  and 
long  will  his  memory  be  cherished  among  the  Baptists  of  this  land. 


IX.       ELDER  JOHN"  LELAND,  OF  CHESHIRE,  MASS. 

We  can  hardly  do  justice  to  the  public  expectations  in  regard  to 
our  Biographical  department ;  without  inserting  some  testimonial  of 
the  worth  of  this  eccentric,  but  useful  minister  among  the  churches  of 
our  order,  throus^hout  the  land  ;  and  especially  useful  in  his  labors  to 
secure  equal  religious  and  civil  liberty  to  all  denominations  in  Vir- 
ginia, his  adopted  State  at  first ;  and  afterwards  in  his  native  Massa- 
chusetts. And  although  a  memorial  of  his  industry  and  public  worth 
is  garnered  in  the  octavo  volume  of  his  auto-biography  and  in  his  reli- 
gious and  miscellaneous  writings,  given  to  the  public  some  years 
since ;  we  will  for  the  sake  of  many  who  would  require  it  of  us,  give 
his  name  a  distinct  notice  in  this  appendix,  among  the  venerable 
names  of  the  Shaftsbury  ministers.  And  inasmuch  as  we  find  em- 
bodied by  a  graphic  pen,  a  sketch  of  him,  that  is  better  than  we  have 
time  now  to  make,  in  the  Baptist  Memorial  of  1 842,  vol.  i,  and  pages 
136-8,  we  will  simply  extract  it  entire,  and  add  a  few  remarks  at 
the  close. 

"  Elder  John  Leland  was  born  in  Grafton,  (Mass ,)  May  14th, 
1754.  Few  men  that  have  ever  lived,  possessed  a  more  gifted  intel- 
lect. From  a  child  he  was  a  lover  of  learning,  and  made  rapid  pro- 
ficiency for  the  age,  and  the  advantages  afforded  him. 

"  At  the  age  of  IS  his  attention  was  arrested  with  what  he  said 
seemed  a  voice  from  heaven  : — "  You  are  not  about  the  work  you 
have  to  do."    This  conviction  was  more  than  ordinarily  pungent.    He 


330  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

was  brought  to  give  up  all  the  foolish  amusemeuts  of  youth  iu  disgust, 
aud  fall  at  the  feet  of  sovereigo  mercy  as  a  lost,  perishing  siuner. 
After  his  couversion,  he  says,  "  my  heart  was  greatly  attached  to  the 
Holy  Scriptures.  I  have  not  yet  forgot  the  burning  desire,  the  soul- 
longing,  I  had  to  know  what  was  the  mind  of  God  contained  in  his 
word.  I  would  read,  then  pray,  then  read  and  pray  again,  that  I 
might  know  the  truth  as  it  is  iu  Jesus."  He  was  frequently  accus- 
tomed to  hold  meetings  in  company  with  a  young  convert,  and,  as  he 
said,  "preach  two  or  three  of  our  sort  of  sermons  at  each  meeting." 
From  the  date  of  his  spiritual  birth,  he  seemed  imbued  with  a  spirit 
to  preach,  though  self-distrusting  on  account  of  conscious  unworthi- 
ness.  The  number  of  sermons,  (such  as  they  were)  that  I  preached 
alone  by  myself  "  he  adds,  "  was  very  great ;  and  both  saint  and  sin- 
ner said,  John  will  be  a  preacher^  He  was  very  deeply  sensible 
that  no  man  should  preach,  until  called  of  God  to  the  work. 

"  In  1774,  he  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Bellingham,  (Mass.) 
and  by  that  church  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  age  of  twenty.  In 
the  same  year  he  journeyed  to  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  there  labor- 
ed as  a  minister  eight  months.  After  his  return  he  was  married, 
September  30,  1776,  to  Miss  Sarah  Devine,  with  whom  he  lived  61 
years.  He  soon  repaired  with  his  companion  to  Virginia.  His  labors 
were  itinerant,  confined  chiefly  to  Virginia,  Pennsylvania  and  South 
Carolina.  He  was  ordained  in  1776.  His  meetings  were  often  in  a 
circuit,  sometimes  120  miles  in  length.  In  the  month  of  October  of 
this  year,  he  was  much  revived  in  his  mind,  in  view  of  which  he  said, 
"Souls  appeared  very  precious  to  me,  and  my  heart  was  drawn  out 
in  prayer  for  their  salv  ation.  Now,  for  the  first  time,  I  knew  what 
it  was  to  travail  in  birth  for  the  conversion  of  sinners.  The  result 
was,  in  a  short  time  he  baptised,  one  hundred  and  thirti/,  as  the  seal  of 
his  ministry.  For  some  time,  revivals  almost  constantly  followed  hia 
labors.  In  about  <wo  years,  he  baptised  400.  In  179'),  after  a  stay 
of  fourteen  years,  in  which  time  he  baptised  precisely  700,  he  re- 
moved to  New  England,  with  his  family,  then  embracing  eight  chil- 
dren. After  preaching  for  a  season  in  Connecticut,  and  about  a  year 
in  Conway,  (Mass.)  he  removed  to  Cheshire  in  February,  1792,  which 
has  been  his  residence  chiefly,  for  almost  half  a  century. 

"About  this  time  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bless  his  labors  in  adjacent 
towns.  Lanesboro',  Adams,  Philipstown,  (now  Nassau,  N.  Y.)  Canaan, 
Gore,  and  Conway,  successively  enjoyed  revivals  under  his  ministry. 
He  continued  to  preach  in  New  England  and  New  York,  imtil  1797, 
when  he  journeyed  again  to  Virginia,  preaching,  as  formerly,  t)  and 
from  the  State.  He  remained  there  eighteen  months.  After  his  re- 
turn, he  was  adjusting  his  concerns  to  go  thither  again,  when  he  re- 
ceived an  impression  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  day  time  and 
evening  for  the  space  of  two  weeks.  The  time  had  then  arrived 
when  his  appointments  must  be  met  on  his  way  South.  He  says, 
"  these  words  forced  themselves  again  and  again  on  my  mind,  7'he 
Lord  will  work."  On  his  way  he  appointed  a  meeting,  and  the  people 
of  Cheshire  followed  him  in  great  numbers,  and  wept  under  the  pun- 
gent truths  that  fell  from  his  lips.     He  was  absent  only  twenty  days. 


Sec.  II.]  MINISTERS  :   J.  LELAND.  331 

On  Lis  return,  he  found  the  work  of  gi-ace,  like  a  torrent,  was  bearing 
all  before  it.  After  his  return,  -which  was  early  iu  the  fall,  lie  preached 
ever}'  day  until  the  March  following,  when  he  had  baptised  200  !  Find 
for  us  lh«  minister  of  Christ,  that  lias  performed  in  his  own  parish,  an 
equal  amount  of  preacliing  iu  a  iriven  time,  that  we  may  embalm  his 
name  forever  in  grateful  remembrance. 

"In  the  year  18UU,  he  made  a  tour  of  four  months  in  New  York, 
Connecticut,  Rhode  Island  and  Massachusetts.  In  November,  1801, 
he  journeyed  as  far  South  as  Washington. 

'"In  1808,  lii.s  labors  were  blessed  in  Pownal,  Vt.,  where  he  bap- 
tised about  s/.r/j/.  Iu  1811,  he  enjoyed  a  revival  in  this  town,  and 
baptised  forty. 

"In  December,  1813,  he  again  for  the  last  time,  visited  Virginia. 
The  joy  was  indescribable,  both  to  him  and  his  spiritual  children,  in 
being  onCe  more  permitted  to  meet  this  side  of  the  grave.  He  was 
absent  six  months,  travelled  1800  miles,  and  preached  150  times. 

"  In  the  fall  of  1817  he  eajoyed  here,  (in  Cheshire,)  under  his  minis- 
tration, a  precious  revival,  and  baptised  </wV/i/  one.  In  the  March  fol- 
lowing, a  revival  in  Adams  brought  70  into  the  fold  of  ChrisL  In 
this  revival  his  labors  were  much  blessed,  and  27  of  the  above 
number  were  baptised  hy  him.* 

"  The  above  outline  sk  etch,"  says  the  article  in  the  Memorial,  "very 
brief  and  compressed,  of  one  of  New  England's  distinguished  sons,  and 
a  venerable  link  eouaecting  the  Baptist  ministers  of  this  generation 
and  century  with  those  of  the  last,  we  have  taken  from  the  sermon 
preached  at  his  funeral,  Jan.  27th,  1841,  by  the  Rev.  John  Alden,  jr. 
Pastor  of  the  church  in  North  Adams,  Massachusetts. 

"  The  space  which  father  Leland  has  filled  in  the  public  mind,  and 
to  a  considerable  degree,  in  the  hearts  of  the  truly  pious,  seems  to  call 
for  some  further  attempt  at  developing  and  analyzing  Lis  character. 
He  was  endowed  by  his  Creator  with  uncommonly  strong  and  vigor- 
ous powers  of  mini  His  memory  had  not  been  overtasked  in  his 
youtfi.  There  was  no  vast  lumber-room  of  confused  images  stored 
awa}',  to  ciieck  the  ardor  of  his  originality.  Very  independent,  and 
also  very  successful  in  his  early  efforts,  he  was  easily  and  natm^ally 
led  to  an  undue  disregard  of  the  attainments  of  others  ;  and  from 
this  cause,  especially  iu  the  latter  period  of  life,  he  suffered  no  incon- 
siderable diminution  of  enjoyment  asd  usefuloese.  Every  maa,  tnore 
or  less,  takes  the  tinge  of  the  times  in  which  he  lives,  and  the  circum- 
fitanees  by  which,  at  the  most  susceptible  period  of  his  life,  he  happens 
to  be  surrounded.  In  the  case  of  Leland,  these  t'mee  and  <3ii'cmn^ 
stances^were  of  so  striking  a  cliaracter,  that  it  is  by  no  means  strange 
that  they  made  an  ineffaceable  impression  upon  his  character  and  all 
hifl  futiff*  course.  It  is  cot  necessary  here  to  retj-ace  tha  procaioent 
lineaments  of  the  religious  history  of  New  England  and  Virginia,  at 

*Tl»ere  mnst  be  ft  mistake  in  regard  to  thB  titne  ot  t\\i&  revival  at  Adams;  for  the 
printed  minutts  of  the  Association,  give  bo  such  additioBS  for  the  year  1818,  as  it 
•would  be.  But  In  1819,  tlie  Adams  church  reported  32  added,  and  in  1820,  37  more, 
having  no  P.istor  ather  year.  It  must  have  been  ifi  the  spring  Bad  sumjner  <4 
1819,  that  tMs  shower  descended. 


gg-J  SHAFTSBmir   ASSOCTAXIfflS.  [AITCNDrx", 


the  perJod  when  he  began  his  t^entful  career  of  pirbiie  labors.  In- 
tolerable, grinding  oppression,  by  an  ecelesiastica)  hierarchy,  goaded 
to  the  verytjuick,  tljose  who  had  religious  feeling  and  conscientious- 
ness enough  to  (letermi-ne  to  serve  and  please  God,  acetH-ding  to  the 
dictates  of  his  own  word,  at  whatever  sacrifice.  This  aspect  of  the 
times  requires  to  be  fully  constdered,  by  any  one  (Jispo8«d  to  award 
simple  jnsticc  to  the  feehngs  of  distrust,  wlvich,  in  this  way  becanu- 
mwrought  in  the  mind  of  Leland  and  many  of  his  associates.  As 
well  might  you  expect  the  Israelites  to  tolerate  aa  assimJlatien  to  theiT 
Egyptian  taskmasters,  as  to  ask  such  men  to  look  with  favor  on  com- 
binations, which— as  fkei/  ikotujid, — howevci-  erroneously,  tended  di- 
rectly to  bring  back  upon  thum,  or  their  posterity,  a  yoke,  which 
neither  their  fathers  nor  they  were  able  to  bear.  Heneethe  suspi- 
cion with  which  they  looked  upon  many  of  those  iristitutrons,  in  the 
form  of  voluntary  aissoeiations,  in  wLicb,  they  feared,  would  be  found 
the  germ  of  spiritual  despotism. 

"  If  we  are  not  misinformed,  father  Leland  alwajs  distrusted  asso^ 
ciations,  and  for  years  refused  to  unite  with  them,  even  whe»  guarde-i 
by  all  the  assurances  which  independent  Baptist  churches  can  give 
to  one  another,  that  in  the  union  which  they  shall  form,  there  shal'l 
be  no  assumption  of  ecclesiastical  authority.  It  is  not  so  much  to  be 
wondei-ed  at,  as  deplored,  that  very  good  men,  and  great  men,  when 
they  become  deeply  imbued  with  abhorrence  of  what  they  re-gard  &% 
■wrong,  manifest  an  unlovely,  if  not  an  unholy  antipathy  against 
whatever  their  minds  associate  Avith  it.  Hence  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  induced  to  impute  to  k'mg-craft  or  prkst-craft  very  n>ucli, 
which  we  hope  and  believe  had  a  worthier  and  purer  ongin. 

"  Having  thus  said  enough  to  indicate  both  the  nature,  and  the 
proximate  cause  of  some  of  those  peculiarities,  which  for  a  scoi-e  of 
years  past,  too  much  alienated  the  venerable  Leland'  from  many  of 
his  brethren^  we  gladly  leave  the  mantle  of  lilinl  love  to  cover  aVl  uiv 
necessary  details.  We  trust  he  is  in  the  prescrice  of  that  Saviour, 
whose  cause  he  so  ably  advocated  ;  and  with  many  of  those,  turned  by 
his  instrumentality  to  righteousness,  be  now  wears  a  spotless  robe>> 
and  an  unfading  crown,  and  sings  the  new  song  in  blessed  harmony. 
Our  early  recollections,  one  third  of  a  century  ago,  present  hiia  to  our 
minds  in  a  noble,  and  even  then  a  venerable  fijrm ;  diacoursing  in 

f>ublic,  or  in  the  social  circle,  with  mingled  gravity  and  spriglitliness, 
istened  to  by  politicians  and  the  religious,  by  thelearned  and  iguor- 
ant,  by  the  refined  and  the  vulgar,  the  young  and  the  old,  with  thafe 
kind  of  deference,  which  would  have  awakened  awe,  and  degenerated 
to  man-worshipy  had  not  the  outjxyuring  of  eccentricities,  and  almosf> 
follies,  (permitted,  perhaps,  for  this  very  jwrpose)  sliown  the  alloy  of 
greatness. 

*•  Among  his  peculiaiities  whach  iifiay  be  regarded  with  faivor,  was 
a  minute  accuracy  in  reference  to  immy  little  things,  in  his  own  per- 
sonal histoiy,  with  one  or  two  specimens  of  which,  we  will  close  this 
article^  He  has  stated  that  since  he  began  to  preach,  he  has  traveled 
distances,  reckoned  together,  nearly  sufficient  to  thvice  ciixle  the 
earth,   or   about  75,000  miles :  and  preoxhed  about  8000  8erm.oxvsk 


SEC,  n.] MIiNISTERS;   E.  LEE.  333 

The  number  of  Baptist  ministers  he  has  personally  knowa,  is  962— 
303  of  whom  he  has  heard  preach.  Three  hundred  of  the  above  hare 
gone  before  him  into  eternitj,  207  have  visited  him  at  his  own  house. 
"He  has  baptised  1524  persons,  and  preached  in  436  meeting 
houses,  several  capitols,  and  in  various  other  kind  of  buildings,  aa 
well  as  in  the  streets  and  groves.  He  has  written  about  ^AeXy  pamph- 
lets, some  valuable  pieces  of  poetry,  and  much,  from  time  to  time,  ia 
the  public  papers,  both  political  and  moral.  So  much  did  he  love  his 
Bible,  that  he  numbered  all  its  chapters,  1,189;  its  verses,  31,118; 
and  even  its  words,  786,683.. 

"  He  has  written  us  his  own  epitaph,  in  the  following  words  : 
'Hkee  lies  the  body  of  John  Leland,  who  labored  Sixty-Eight 

YEARS,    to    promote    PIKTV,     AND    VINDICATE    THE  CIVIL   AND     EELIGIOUS 
RIGHTS    OF    ALL  MF.N.'  " 

Thus  much  have  we  copied  from  the  Memorial,  from  the  pen  of  Dr. 
Babcock,  as  we  suppose,  then  one  of  its  editors.  His  critic  upon  the 
character  of  the  times  of  Elder  Leiani's  early  ministry,  and  the  causes 
that  united  in  giving  him  the  cliaracteristics  of  mind  and  heart  that 
distinguished  him,  is  undoubtedly  just.  But  we  forbear,  only  saying 
that  we  trust  the  sketch  of  his  character  and  labors  in  the  ministry  wa 
have  set  before  our  readers,  will  do  good,  and  lielp  to  guard  others 
againfjt  the  errors  into  which  he  inadvertantly  fell,  and  incite  all  the 
disciples  of  Christ,  and  the  ministers  of  the  word  especially,  to  imi- 
tate his  apostolic  zeal  in  spreading  the  tidings  of  rich,  free  and  un- 
merited grace  among  his  fellow  men.  He  died  at  North  Adams, 
where  he  had  spoken  publicly  but  a  few  days  before,  for  the  gratifi- 
cation of  some  of  his  old  friends,  January  14,  1841,  aged  eighty-six 
years,  and  eight  months,  after  having  preached  the  gospel  for  more 
than  66  years. 


X.     ELDER  ELIAS  LEE,  OF  BALLSTON  SPA,  K  Y. 

We  are  unable  to  say  much  of  this  worthy  man  of  God,  for  want 
of  more  definite  information,  but  give  his  name  a  page  or  two  in  our 

Elder  Lee,  as  we  are  informed,  was  the  son  of  Deacon  Lee,  of 
Danbury,  Conn.,  who  kept  what  was  formerly  called  a  Baptist  tavern, 
for  the  entertainment  gratis,  of  traveling  ministers  who  ranged  the 
country  to  encourage  and  strengthen  the  feeble  churches  in  the  wil- 
derness of  those  early  times.  With  this  good  deacon,  a  Hull,— and 
doubtless  a  Leland  and  a  Morse,— often  found  a  hospitable  shelter  for 
the  nio'ht  and  enjoyed  precious  seasons  in  conversation  and  prayer. 

The^name  of  Elder  Lee  first  appears  on  the  Shaftsbury  minutes  m 
the  year  1800,  as  pastor  of  the  2nd  Milton,  afterwards  the  Ballstoa 
Spa  church,  Saratoga  county,  N.  Y.  It  reported  92  members  that 
year  having  enjoved  a  revival  a  year  or  two  before,  that  had  addedl 
74  to  their  number.  From  this  time  to  the  year  1828,  the  name  and 
15* 


g34  SHAFTSBUKV    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX, 

labors  of"  Elder  Lee,  -ttrere  identified  with  the  history  and  growth  of 
this  church,  a  fact  that  accounts  very  much  for  its  subsequent  increase 
and  prosperity  to  the  preaeot  lime.  It  was  ;i  hard  straggle  for  our 
brethren  to  secure  a  foothold  in  that  village  in  its  earliur  j)eriods,  but 
the  talents  and  firmness  of  Elder  Lee,  aided  and  enceuraged  by  warm 
ftud  true-hearted  friends,  who  gathered  arouud  him  in  the  eoailicts  of 
opinion  that  arose,  were  successful ;  and  the  Baptists  have  usually 
exerted  their  appropriate  share  of  religious  influenee  upon  the  moral 
and  spiritual  interests  of  the  population  of  that  village.  He  enjoyed 
two  or  three  revivals  of  religion  during  bis  ministry  there.  In  1811 
tis  church  reported  40  additions  ;  and  in  1819,  another  aceession  of 
63  to  their  number,  making  their  total  at  that  time,  184.  When  he 
died  he  left  about  140  iu  connection  with  the  church. 

Elder  Lee  was  compelled  to  sustain  himself  iu  part,  in  the  infancy 
of  the  Ballstcm  Spa  church,  by  teaching  school,  if  we  are  correctly 
informed ;  but  still  he  mad<j  "  full  proof  of  his  ministry,"  and  did 
"  the  work  of  an  Evangelist"  to  a  very  good  degree.  In  a  eontro- 
Tersy  he  had  with  an  Episcopalian  minister,  (alluded  to  at  page  82 
of  this  work,)  he  vindicated  the  Baptists  successfully  from  vile  asper- 
sions, and  achieved  a  triumph  for  our  distinctive  principles  over  the 
traditions  of  men.* 

Elder  Lee's  death  occurred  about  the  year  1828  ; — and  is  thus  re- 
corded upon  the  pages  of  the  Saratoga  minutes  for  1829,  at  page  6th ; 
"Since  the  last  meeting  of  this  Association,  our  beloved  Elder, 
Elias  Lee,  has  departed  this  life.  His  labors  here  were  arduous, 
but  we  have  a  good  hope  that  he  has  gone  to  the  bosom  of  the  Mas- 
ter he  loved  and  served,  where  sorrows  cease  from  troubling,  and  the 
weary  are  at  rest.  The  association  sincerely  sympathize  with  hi» 
afflicted  widow  and  children,  praying  the  widow's  God  will  counsel 
them,  and  be  a  husband  to  the  widow  and  a  father  to  the  fatherless  ; 
also  that  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  may  have  their  loss 
made  up  to  them,  by  Him  who  plants  churches,  and  sends  Pastors 
according  to  his  will." 

Of  bis  general  character,  and  the  good  influence  of  his  long  pastor- 
ate of  nearly  thirty  years  with  this  one  church,  the  following  testimony 
is  borne  by  Elder  Norman  Fox,  now  of  Schenectady,  but  for  12  years 
pastor  of  the  same  church,  from  1838  to  1840. 

"  Elder  Elias  Lee  was  a  man  of  strong  mind  and  clear  head.  He 
was  a  successful  preacher.  A  man  who  in  hia  writings  and  preach- 
ing, '  contended  eainestly  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.' 


*  In  this  controversy,  Elder  Leo  quotecl  many  facts  and  statements  that  greatly 
annoyed  his  adversary  in  liis  defence  of  Kpiscopaliunisin,  from  an  old  book  of  the 
17th  century,  called  "A  Plea  for  the  Non-Conformists,"  by  one  Thomas  De  Laune 
a  Baptist  schoolmaster  of  England,  who  had  snffered  imprisonment  at  Newgate' 
for  his  manly  expression  of  sentiments  iu  f:wor  of  his  views  of  the  truth.  This 
book  disappeared  from  the  table  of  the  Court-liouse  in  which  the  controrersy  was 
held,  one  night,  and  no  one  could  or  iroiild  tcW  where  it  had  hidden  itself.  As  it 
was  a  borrowed  book,  and  much  valued  by  its  owner.  Elder  Led  felt  bound  to  re- 
turn an  equivalent  to  his  friend  who  had  loaned  the  book  to  liim;  but  as  he  could 
hardly  find  it  in  print,  he  conceived  the  idea  of  re-publishing  it  in  this  countr\%  a 
work  which  he  accomplished,  thus  scattering  its  seeds  of  truth  broadcast  over  t))f 
land,  by  tho  circulation  of  n  largo  edition  of  this  sterling  work. 


SEC.  II,]  ministers:  e.  lee.  885 

He  did  much  in  building  up  the  Baptist  cause  in  Ballston  Spa,  where 
he  was  pastor  for  many  years.  Owing  to  his  early  and  faithful  la- 
bors in  that  place,  and  in  the  adjoining  towns,  it  is,  to  a  great  extent, 
Baptist  ground  to  the  present  day." 

We  might  add  that  there  now  lies  before  us  a  pamphlet  of  forty 
pages,  octavo,  that  Elder  Lee  published,  entitled  "  A  Reply  to  Mr. 
Eber  Cowle's  sermon  on  the  Danger  and  Possibility  of  falling  from 
Grace.  By  Elias  Lek,  Minister  to  the  Baptist  church  ait  Ballston 
Springs.     Troy  :  Printed  by  Moffitt  &  Lyon.     1802." 

The  following  advertisement  of  this  book  to  the  reader,  will  show 
the  spirit  inj-whicli  he  wrote  : 

"Reader!  if  thou  art  a  christian,  both  in  thy  heart  and  head,  I 
think  the  sentiments  in  my  book  will  please  thee ;  however  rough 
and  uncourtly  the  style  may  seem.  If  thou  thinkest  I  have  been 
too  severe,  I  pray  thee  to  remember  that  I  have  opposed  the  doctrine, 
and  not  the  people,  any  farther  than  they  support  it.  It  might  do 
thee  good  also,  to  consider  that  the  spirit  of  truth  is  a  thousand  times 
more  severe  than  such  a  mortal  as  I,  can  be  :  it  breaketh  the  heart, 
and  taketh  the  very  life,  to  root  out  these  legal  principles  : — neither 
have  I  said  anything  but  what  the  nature  of  the  case  led  to,  or  required. 

"  But  if  thou  art  a  christian  only  at  heart,  and  a  legalist  in  thy 
head,  then  my  book  will  set  thy  head  and  h  eart  at  war  with  each 
other ;  and  the  grace  which  dwelleth  in  thy  heart,  will  no  doubt,  meet 
with  many  reflections  and  hard  speeches,  from  the  law  notions  which 
dwell  in  thy  head.  But  if  thou  art  a  legalist,  both  in  thy  head  and 
heart,  then  thou  art  law  throughout ;  and  as  the  law  can  show  no 
pardon,  so  I  must  look  for  nothing  but  condemnation  from  thee.  My 
book  will  appear  to  thee  as  Christ  did  to  the  Jews,  when  they  cried 
out,  '  Away  with  him;  crucify  him;  crucify  him.'  Let  me  remind 
thee,  however,  of  the  motto  on  the  title  page,  '  There  is  a  way  that 
seemeth  right  unto  a  man,  but  the  end  thereof  are  the  ways  of  death.' 
If  thou  art  an  anything,  then  thou  wilt  say  it  is  folly  to  write  about 
these  things ;  that  thou  hatest  controversies  and  disputes,  and  if  a 
person  be  sincere,  it  matters  not  what  doctrine  or  profession  he  falls 
in  with.  But  if  thy  wife  should  deal  with  thee  as  thou  dealest  with 
Jesus  Christ,  thou  wouldst  soon  begin  to  question  her  sincerity  to  thee. 

"  But  if  thou  belongest  to  either,  or  neither  class,  I  hope  thou  wilt 
try  to  give  my  book  a  candid  perusal ;  and  if  thou  beginnest,  I  wish 
thee  to  read  it  through,  and  compare  it  closely  with  the  arguments  on 
the  other  side  of  the  question.  And  that  the  Lord  would  give  U3  all 
understanding  in  the  way  of  life,  is  the  prayer  of  the  unworthy 

"  Ballston,  April  24,  1802.  Author." 

With  such  a  mind,  and  such  a  pen,  did  he  meet  his  opponents  in 
controversy  ;  and  is  it  a  marvel  that  he  usually  gained  posseasion  of 
the  field  of  conflict?  How  much  more  he  printed  besides  these,  and 
a  few  circular  letters,  we  are  unable  to  affirm.  But  he  now  rests  from 
his  labors.  May  we  be  as  faithful  in  our  day  and  generation  as  he 
was,  to  maintain  the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  promote  practical 
godliness  among  all  around  us. 


836  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

XI.  ELD.  NATHAN  MASON,  OF  THIRD  CHESHIRE,  MASS. 

Concerning  this  worthy  minister,  and  pious  man  of  God,  we  have 
gleaned  the  following  particulars,  that  may  help  to  cherish  and  per- 
petuate his  memory  among  the  generations  of  God's  people. 

From  Benedict,  vol  I,  pages  280-1,  and  439,  we  gather  some  of  the 
following  facts.  "  Elder  Nathan  Mason  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Swansey,  Massachusetts,  in  tl»e  year  1726,  and  was  baptised  in  the  24th 
year  of  his  age  by  Elder  Job  Mason,  then  pastor  of  the  church  in  that 
town."  In  1763,  with  a  company  of  his  brethren,  he  went  to  Nova 
Scctia  and  spent  about  eight  years.  Before  departing  on  this  expedi- 
tion, April  21st  1763,  he  and  twelve  other  persons  were  constituted 
into  a  church,  and  Mr.  Mason  ordained  their  pastor.  They  sailed  soon 
after  in  a  body,  and  settled  near  the  head  of  the  bay  of  Fuudy  at  a 
place  called  Sackville,  where  they  were  blessed  of  the  Lord,  and 
BOOQ  increased  as  a  church,  under  his  ministry  to  60  members.  But 
not  altogether  liking  the  lands  and  the  government,  after  8  years  resi- 
dence, Elder  Mason  and  his  original  company  returned  to  the  States 
and  settled  in  Lanesboro,  where  they  found  six  more  Swansey  Breth- 
ren, who  united  with  them  in  forming  a  church  of  18,  in  the  year 
1771,  which  connected  itself  with  the  Rhode  Island  Yearly  meeting 
of  six  principle  Baptists.  Here  again  his  labors  were  crowned  with 
success,  and  in  ten  years  they  numbered  200  members  in  Lanesboro 
and  towns  adjacent,  that  formed  the  nucleus  of  several  churches. 

From  this  church  proceeded  Elder  Joseph  Cornell,  first  Pastor  of 
the  Baptist  church  in  Manchester,  Vt.,  as  well  as  some  of  the  earlier 
members  of  that  church.  Indeed,  we  learn  from  the  records  of  that 
church  that  Elder  Mason  himself  constituted  it  on  the  22d  of  June 
1781  and  also  gave  Elder  Cornell  on  that  occasion,  a  "  solemn  charge  to 
be  faithful  in  the  execution  of  his  otEce ;  and  then  gave  him  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship"  as  Pastor  of  this  new  church. 

About  the  year  1788,  Elder  Mason  with  a  majority  of  his  church 
dissented  from  the  strictness  of  the  "  six  principle  plan,"  by  holding 
that  the  "  Laying  on  of  hands"  after  baptism,  or  the  neglect  of  it  was 
a  matter  of  indifference  and  should  be  no  bar  to  communion.  As  a 
consequence  he  became  pastor  of  this  new  church,  called  the  2d 
Lanesboro  Baptist  church,  as  the  six  principle  body  had  been  called 
the  Ist  Lanesboro  Baptist  church.  By  the  erection  of  the  town  of 
Cheshire  in  1793,  partly  from  Lanesboro,  and  partly  from  the  town 
of  Adams,  both  of  these  churches,  as  well  as  Elder  Warden's,  became 
located  in  the  new  town.  And  as  Elder  Werden's  was  the  oldest,  it 
was  allowed  the  title  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in  Cheshire;  the  six 
principle  body,  whom  P^.lder  Mason  had  left,  was  next  in  age,  and 
called  the  second  church ;  while  Elder  Mason's  of  consequence,  be- 
came thse  Third  church.  This  town,  having  so  many  Baptist  churches 
in  it.  and  having  been  settled  by  them  chiefly  from  the  first,  there 
has  been  little  room  for  any  other  order,  to  gain  a  foothold  in  the 
town  to  this  day. 

Elder  Mason  and  his  church  united  first  with  the  Shaftsbury  Asso- 
ciation in  1789,  being  only  44  in  number,  and  himself  an  old  man  of 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :   C.  NICHOLS.  337 

61  years  of  age.  But  in  1790-1  he  must  have  been  favored  wiih  a 
f^reat  revival  of  religion  or  else  very  many  of  his  former  six  principle 
Brethren  came  over  into  his  chmch ;  for  in  1791  they  reported  112 
members  to  the  association.  And  in  1793  they  reported  163,  of 
whom  38  had  been  added  the  previous  year.  At  this  time,  or  in  1792, 
Klder  Mason  had  associated  with  him  iu  the  ministerial  work,  Eider 
John  Leland,  who  had  just  returned  from  Virginia,  and  who  became 
now  the  more  active  Pastor  for  many  years. 

Still  Elder  Mason's  name  occurs  on  the  minutes  from  year  to  year, 
as  one  of  the  ministers  of  the  Third  church  in  Cheshire  down  to  about 
1800,  when  from  the  infirmities  of  increasing  years  he  absented  him- 
self from  tlie  meetings  of  his  Brethren,  and  in  1805  or  1806  he  sunk 
to  his  repose  in  the  grave.  He  died  at  Fort  Ann,  Washington  co.  N. 
y.,  whither  he  had  gone  on  a  visit  to  some  of  his  children  and  friends 
residing  there,  aged  about  80  ;  "  being  old  and  full  of  days."  Many  of 
his  decendents  are  scattei'ed  through  the  land,  beside  those  in  Fort 
Ann  and  Granville,  N.  Y.  A  uumber  of  them  have  been,  or  are  now 
laboring  usefully  in  the  Baptist  ministry  in  various  churches.  He 
was  the  maternal  great  grand  father,  of  Elder  James  O.  Mason,  the 
successful  pastor  of  Elder  Barber's  church  in  Union  Village,  Wasliing- 
ton  Co.,  for  the  last  nine  years,  as  we  are  credibly  informed. 

Of  the  character  of  Elder  Nathan  Mason,  Elder  Leland,  who  knew 
him  testifies,  "that  it  was  fair  and  irreproachable.  He  was  a  man  of 
peace  and  Godliness,  preaching  seven  days  in  a  week  by  his  life  and 
conversation."  Well  does  the  scripture  say  :  "  Mark  the  perfect  man 
and  behold  the  upright  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace." 


XII.     ELDER  CALEB  NICHOLS,  OF  POWNAL,  VT. 

Elder  Nichols,  for  some  15  years  Pastor  of  the  1st  Baptist  church 
in  Pownal,  was  also  a  member  of  this  association,  for  about  a  dozen 
years,  or  from  1793  to  1803  ;  and  we  will  give  him  a  brief  notice  in 
our  Biographical  department.  But  it  must  be  a  meagre  sketch,  for  the 
want  of  more  ample  materials.  From  good  authority  we  suppose, 
the  following  facts  respecting  him  may  be  relied  on. 

Elder  Caleb  Nichols,  was  born  in  Exeter,  in  Rhode  Island,  on  the 
12th  of  March,  1743.  In  his  youth,  he  was  vain  and  thoughtless,  and 
very  much  attached  to  the  violin,  as  well  as  merry  company.  But  at 
the  age  of  24,  he  was  brought  to  embrace  the  Saviour,  and  was  bap- 
tised soon  after  by  Elder  Nathan  Young.  He  soon  commenced 
preaching,  and  was  ordained  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  2d  Coventry 
church  in  his  native  state,  constituted  but  a  few  months  previous. 
The  church  prospered  under  his  ministry,  and  increased  to  850  mem- 
bers, in  the  course  of  8  or  10  years;  but  being  scattered  and  broken 
during  the  war  of  our  revolution.  Elder  Nichols  removed  in  1788,  to 
Pownal,  Vt.,  and  became  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  that  town, 
which  had  been  wading  through  trials  for  some  years.     The  character 


338  SIIAFTSBtrRV  ASSOCIATION.  [APffiNDlX. 

of  this  excellent  man  is  thus  sketched  in  a  brief  paragi-aph,  from  the 
pen  of  the  discerning  Leland,  of  Cheshire.     He  says  of  him : 

"Elder  Nichols  moved  into  Pownal,  in  1788,  bringing  with  hira 
not  only  fair  paper  credentials,  but  -what  far  exceeds,  a  heart  glowing 
with  love  to  God  and  man  ;  and  now  instead  of  using  his  violin  to  capti- 
vate the  thoughtless  throng,  he  is  engaged  with  successful  zeal  in 
sounding  the  gospel  trumpet.  His  life  and  conversation  are  exem- 
plary ;  his  1  reaching  is  spiritual  and  animating,  pretty  full  of  the 
musical  New  light  tone.  But  his  gift  in  prayer,  is  his  great  excellence; 
for  he  not  only  prays  as  if  he  was  softly  climbing  Jacob's  ladder  to  the 
portals  of  heaven  ;  but  his  expressions  are  so  doctrinal,  that  a  good 
sermon  may  be  heard  in  one  of  his  prayers."* 

With  such  a  Pastor,  why  should  not  a  church  prosper  ?  Accord- 
ingly we  find  that  a  revival  attended  his  labors,  t\i&  first  year  he  was 
among  them,  but  how  many  were  added  we  cannot  ascertain,  as  their 
statistics  were  not  yet  preserved  in  the  minutes  of  the  Association, 
as  afterwards.  But  in  1793  they  united  with  it,  and  reported  72  mem- 
bers in  standing  among  them.  And  the  next  year,  the  good  tidings 
came  up  from  them  that  God  had  poured  out  his  spirit  and  64  had 
been  added  to  their  numbers,  making  137  in  all.  And  for  several 
ye.ars,  ihey  gleaned  up  a  few  sheaves,  making  an  accession  ofneariy  100 
from  1793  to  1803,  when  Elder  Nichol's  name  disappears  from  the  min- 
utes among  this  people.  He  died  in  1804,  and  was  greatly  missed 
from  his  place  and  labors  in  this  town.  At  the  ripe  age  of  60,  hav- 
ing spent  some  thirty-seven  years  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  he  sunk 
to  his  rest,  in  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality  beyond  the  grave.  His 
church  have  had  a  very  changeable  ministry,  most  of  the  time,  since 
his  death,  till  the  last  few  years  ;  and  several  times,  for  years,  have 
been  without  a  stated  pastor,  to  go  out  and  in,  before  them,  and  watch 
for  souls.     And  yet  they  have  enjoyed  several  powerful  revivals. 

The  following  inscription  may  be  read  on  his  tombstone  in  the  yard 
on  Pownal  hill,  where  his  dust  reposes  : 

"  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  the  Rev.  Caleb  Nioiiols,  who,  after  15 
years  faithful  service  as  a  minister  and  watchman  over  the  first  Bap 
tist  church  in  Pownal,  departed  this  life,  on  the  27th  of  February 
1804,  in  the  6 let  year  of  his  age." 


XIII.    ELDER  ABIJAH  PECK,  OF  CLIFTON  PARK,  N.  Y. 

The  following  notice  of  Elder  Peck's  life,  labors  and  character  is 
copied  from  an  obituary  in  the  New  York  Baptist  Register  of  Nov. 
80,  1848  ;  and  we  cannot  do  better  in  furnishing  a  sketch  of  this  emi- 
nently useful  and  good  man  than  to  copy  the  article  entire. 

"Died,  in  Clifton  Par^', Saratoga  Co.  Nov.  12th,  1848,  Elder  Abi- 
JAH  Pbck,  aged  90  years,  7  mouths,  aud  9  days.  The  deceased  has 
been  long  and  extensively  known  as  a  laborious  and  successful  minis 

*  Benedict,  vol.  1.  page  838. 


SEC.  11.]  MINISTERS :  A.  PECK:  330 

ter  of  the  gospel,  and  for  many  years  past  has  been  regarded  as  b 
patriarch  in  the  Saratoga  Association.  He  was  born  in  Greenwich, 
Fairfield  Co.  Conn.,  April  3,  1758.  In  1771,  his  father,  John  Peck, 
died,  leaving  a  large  family  in  destitute  circumstances.  Abijah,  the 
youngest  son,  was  apprenticed  to  a  weaver  soon  after  his  father's 
death.  He  entered  the  continental  army  in  January,  1776,  and  serv- 
ed at  various  times,  under  three  enlistments,  one  year  and  two  months. 
When  the  army  left  New  York  he  was  one  of  the  guard,  and  main- 
tained his  post  until  the  order  was  given  to  escape  for  his  life.  With 
others  he  tlirew  down  his  pack  ;  but  leturned  and  took  it  away  with 
him.  He  was  afterwards  in  the  battle  of  Wliite  Plains,  and  narrowly 
escaped  death  in  the  retreat.  Having  reached  a  fence,  he  laid  his 
hands  upon  it,  and  at  the  instant,  two  musket  balls  struck  the  rails, 
one  on  each  side  of  him,  brushing  his  clothes  as  they  passed. 

"  He  became  the  subject  of  Divine  Grace  in  his  twenty -fourth  year, 
and  was  soou  after  baptised  by  Elder  Elkanah  Holmes.  He  soon  began 
to  preach.  In  1784  he  removed  from  Connecticut  to  Galway,  N.  Y., 
which  was  then  a  wilderness,  with  a  few  scattered  inhabitants.  Af- 
ter a  little  time,  a  few  Baptists  collected  and  held  meetings  in  hia 
workshop  ;  he  taking  the  lead  of  the  meetings.  A  revival  followed, 
which  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the  second  Galway  church  in 
1790.  In  1794,  he  removed  to  Clifton  Park,  then  apart  of  Halfmoon. 
Here  he  collected  a  few  scattered  lambs  of  Christ,  and  in  1795,  Feb. 
12,  a  church  was  organized,  consisting  of  about  thirteen  members.  At 
the  liist  covenant  meeting  following,  he  and  fom-  other  persons  united 
by  letter.  Ou  the  12th  March,  1801,hewas  ordaiued  to  the  Pastoral 
office,  havingfor  five  or  six  years,  refused  to  be  ordained  on  the  ground 
of  personal  unfitness  His  pastorate  was  a  very  laborious  one  ;  but 
its  duties  were  discharged  with  Christian  fidelity,  and  his  labors 
crowned  with  the  blessing  of  God.  From  Clifton  Park  as  a  centre, 
have  arisen  the  churches  of  Schenectady,  Burnt  Hills,  \st  and  2d 
Hal/moon,  and  one  at  Scotia  ;  while  the  surrounding  churches  have 
been  greatly  benefitted  by  his  occasional  labors  and  counsels. 

"  As  a  man,  the  deceased  was  well  known  for  industry,  integrity, 
and  punctuality  :  As  a  Christian,  for  consistency,  humility,  and  be- 
nevolence. As  a  minister  and  Pastor,  for  untiring  zeal,  fidelity,  and 
devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom.  Without  any 
of  the  advantages  of  Education,  he  acquired  a  considerable  amount  of 
general  knowledge,  rich  stores  of  spiritual  wisdom,  and  was  "mighty 
in  the  scriptures."  His  preaching  was  characterised  by  plainness  and 
force ;  a  holy  unction  seemed  to  be  upon  him,  which  he  was  generally 
successful  in  communicating  to  his  hearers.  His  sermons  often  dis- 
played much,  and  vigorous  thought,  and  were  in  a  high  degree  scrip- 
tural. His  mind  was  naturally  strong,  and  his  judgment  correct.  He 
was  the  father  of  eicfht  children,  four  of  whom  survive  him,  and  are 
members  of  the  church,  which  mourns  his  loss  ;  the  others  preceded 
him  to  heaven.  May  his  mantle  fall  upon  his  juniors  in  the  ministry, 
who  have  often  sat  with  delight  to  receive  lessons  of  wisdom  from  his 
lips.     Full  of  years,  of  faith,  and  of  hope,  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 


340  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

'  Fallen  is  the  man,  who  long  has  stood, 
A  pillar  in  the  house  of  God ; 
I^ailen,  did  I  say  ?     He's  raised  on  high. 
And  stands  a  pillar  in  the  sky.'" 

Such  was  the  testimony  borne  to  departed  worth,  in  the  reli- 
gious journals  of  the  time;  and  to  those  who  knew  him,  we  pre- 
sume the  picture  is  true  to  the  original.  This  sketch  was  written 
by  Elder  J.  Goadby,  now  of  Poultney  Vt.,  we  understand,  and  so 
far  as  our  recollection  of  liim  serves,  having  seen  him  a  few  times 
at  public  meetings,  and  tarried  once  over  night  at  his  house,  is  a 
truthful  description  of  his  character.  We  will  simply  add,  that 
although  he  might  have  been  "  for  many  years  a  patriarch  in  the 
Saratoga  Association,"  near  the  close  of  his  valued  life,  he  never- 
theless belonged  to  our  body,  during  the  greater  portion  of  his  ac- 
tive ministry.  In  the  years  17S1  and  '93  each,  his  name  is  on  our 
minutes  as  a  messenger  from  the  2d  or  New  O-alhway  church,  as 
it  was  then  recorded;  and  in  the  year  1797,  and  almost  every 
year  aftei-,  till  1834,  his  name  is  recorded  on  the  Shaftsbury  min- 
utes, as  a  messenger  or  minister  from  his  beloved  flock  at  Clifton 
Park.  So  that  for  about  38  years,  ho  represented  that  one  church 
in  the  body  ;  though  seldom  present  for  the  last  ten  years, — he  was 
almost  uniformly  at  the  meetings  from  his  ordination  in  1801  till 
1825. 

And  foj-  more  than  forty  years,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, from  the  two  chuiches  which  he  served.  Born  in  1758 — he 
was  '33  years  old  when  he  first  attended,  as  a  member  of  the  body; 
ordained  in  1801 — he  appeared  as  a  minister  at  the  age  of  48  ;  and 
when  his  church,  at  their  request  left  the  Shaftsbury  Association  in 
1834,  he  had  reached  the  age  of  76  ;  although  at  his  latest  attend- 
ance in  1830,  at  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Nassau,  he  was  72  years 
old.  So  we  may  well  say,  he  was  for  many  years  a  r.\TKiARcn  among 
the  Brethren  and  ministers  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association.  The  \'ig<)r 
of  his  life,  as  well  as  its  b«st  maturity,  was  expended  in  our  connec- 
tion ;  though  when  he  came  to  the  grave  as  a  shock  of  corn  fully 
ripe,  he  was  gathered  unto  his  fathers  among  the  Saratoga  branch 
of  our  denomination.  While  in  the  body  he  presided  over  its  doings 
as  Moderator  for  three  sessions,  viz  :  in  the  years  1814,  '17  and 
'20.  In  the  year  1810,  at  White  Creek  village,  he  preached  the  in- 
troductory sermon ;  beside  several  other  discourses,  preached  daring 
the  various  anniversaries  of  the  body,  to  edify  and  comfort  the  Bro- 
therhood of  disciples  present  on  those  occasions.  He  was  an  ar- 
dent friend  of  Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  as  well  as  the  cause 
of  Ministerial  Education  ;  'for  which,  and  other  worthy  objects,  he 
contributed  freely  of  his  substance ;  as  he  had  a  very  comfortable 
property,  for  a  Baptist  minister.  But  we  have  enlarged  this  bio- 
graphical sketch  beyond  our  original  design,  and  yet  the  subject 
is  not  exhausted.  In  his  pastoral  relations,  he  had  one  or  two  as- 
sociates for  the  greater  part  of  his  ministry,  from  the  year  1806  ; 
and  yet  harmony  and  love  was  the  charm  of  this  relation  in  the 
ministry.     He  closed  a  long  and  useful  ministry  of  nearly  50  years 


SEC.  11.]  MINISTERS  :    S.  ROGERS.  341 

in  the  same    church,*  universally  respected,    and    lamented  by  all 
■who  had  shared  his  Christian  fellowship  aud  acquaintance.  '** 


XIV.  ELDER  SAMUEL  ROaEaS,  OF  STILLWATER,  N.  Y. 

Concernhi^  this  minister,  we  would  insert  the  following  particulars, 
gleaned  chiefly  from  the  minutes  of  the  Shaftsbury  and  Saratoga 
associations,  with  some  verbal  statements  respecting  his  character. 

His  name  first  appears  on  tlie  Shaftsbury  minutes  as  Pastor  of  the 
1st  Saratoga  church  in  1701,  at  the  time  it  first  united  with  the  body, 
reporting  47  members  in  standing.  If  we  are  correctly  informed, lie 
was  the  son  of  Elder  Clark  Rogers  who  died  at  Hancock,  Mass.,  in 
]8'J5.  His  name  is  found  with  the  Saratoga  church  till  1795  ;  in  these 
five  years,  he  received  an  accession  of  more  than  80  to  his  church. 
In  1793, 12  additions  were  reported,  and  in  1794,  the  pleasant  num- 
ber of  40  are  reported,  (not  all  by  baptism  however)  making  a  total  of 
113.  But  in  1795,  while  11  more  additions  are  noted,  44  are  reported 
as  dismissed  from  their  fellowsliip,  we  presume  to  form  the  3d  Sara- 
toga church,  afterwards  called  Northumberland,  and  now  the  Moreau, 
nceording  to  the  best  information  we  can  gain. 

From  1797  to  1801,  we  find  the  name  of  Elder  Rogers  as  Pastor 
of  the  Mapletown  or  Hoosick  church,  during  which  brief  period  he  ad- 
ded 60  to  their  number,  and  leaving  them  about  60  strong. 
Where  he  spent  the  next  six  or  seven  years,  wo  do  not  learn.  But 
in  1808  his  name  is  reported  in  the  Saratoga  minutes  as  pastor  of  the 
2d  Galway  church. having  added  52  during  the  year  previous,  making 
a  total  of  122.  From  some  indications  we  find,  we  presume  he  had 
been  with  this  church  some  time  before,  but  had  not  united  with  the 
Saratoga  association  till  1808. 

From  this  time  to  the  year  1818  his  name  stands  aa  pastor  at  2d 
Galway,  during  which  period  he  added,  in  all  about  90  mem- 
bers. Next  he  is  reported  in  the  Stillwater  church  from  1814  to 
1822,  though  absent  a  year  or  two  with  his  church  from  the  association 
in  1816—17,  But  in  this  pastorate  he  enjoyed  his  usual  success,  adding 
some  to  the  church  about  every  year  ;  and  in  1820  receiving  by  baptism 
the  large  number  of  68,  making  a  total  of  176.  But  his  work  was  com- 
ing to  a  close. 

After  a  ministry  of  some  33  years  in  four  or  five  different  churches, 
he  came  to  his  grave  in  peace,  like  a  shock  of  corn  fully  ripe,  and  was 
gathered  unto  his  fathers  among  the  people  of  his  last  charge  in  Still- 
water, where  his  sepulchre  may  be  seen  to  this  day  in  the  old  burial 
ground  near  the  meeting  house  of  the  first  church,  on  Bemis  Heights. 

In  the  Saratoga  minutes  of  that  year,  we  find  the  following  brief  re- 
cord of  his  worth.  "The  church  in  Still  w.iter,  in  the  month  of  Feb'y 
last,  was  called  to  follow  to  the  grave,  weeping,  their  venerable  Pastor 
E'der  Samuel  Rogees.     Though  this  good  man's  prayers  on  earth, 

*  His  active  pastoral  labors  ceased  in  lS-35,  when  TT  years  olcl 


342  SHAFTSBURV  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

arc  ended,  (iiis  most  pi-ecious  gift)  they  will  long  live  ia  the  hearts  of 

all  those  who  have  heard  him." 

The  following  is  the  insciiptiou  referred  to  above. 
"  Sacred  to  the  memory 

of 

Elder  Samuel   Rogers, 

who  died  February,  6th  1823, 

aged  03  years,  6  months,  and  17  days. 

"Celestial  truth  employed  his  breath; 
"  Precious  in  God's  sight  is  his  death. 
"  He  sleeps  in  Jesus,  and  shall  rise 
■"  To  meet  his  Lord  above  the  skies." 


XV.    ELDER  EBENEZER  SMITH,  OF  PARTRIDGEFIELD. 

This  veteran  of  the  Baptist  cause,  who  endured  the  spoiling  of  his 
gootls,  and  other  persecutions,  for  his  fidelity  to  principle,  deserves 
a  rwtice  among  the  venerated  fathers  of  the  Sli;j.ftsbury  Association, 
of  •which  he  was  a  worthy  member  for  seventeen  years,  from  the 
churches  of  Ashfield  and  Partridgefield.  This  latter  church  took  the 
name  of  Peru  in  1807,  from  a  change  occasioned  by  the  erection  of  a 
new  town;  and  finally,  in  1810,  it  was  called  Hinsdale,  for  the  same 
reason,  which  name  it  still  beai's.  From  vaiious  sources  we  gather 
the  following  particulars  concerning  his  life,  labors  and  death. 

Elder  Ebenezer  Smith  was  born  October  4rth,  1734,  and  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  the  year  1761.  His  church  in  Ash- 
field, Mass.,  was  constituted  in  the  year  17<51.  We  do  not  learn  the 
place  of  his  nativity.  In  the  year  1791,  his  church  united  with  the 
Shaftsbury  Association,  at  its  session  in  Adams,  or  1  Cheshire,  Mass- 
At  that  time  it  numbered  only  22,  and  Elder  Smith  was  its  pa«tor,  as 
Le  continued  to  be  till  1794,  when  it  left  the  body  and  united  with 
the  Leydeu  Association,  While  among  this  people,  he  suffered  the 
loss  of  fome  of  his  goods,  with  his  brethren,  by  the  voracious  desire 
of  the  predominant  party  then  in  power.* 

In  1799,  he  again  became  a  juember  of  this  Association,  by  his 
connection  with  the  Partridgefield  Baptist  church,  which  had  united 
the  year  before  with  the  Shaftsbury  body.  Here,  also,  ho  shared  a 
measure  of  persecution  with  his  brethren,  in  being  compelled  by  the 
force  of  legal  enactments  to  aid  in  building  a  Congregational  njeeting- 
house.  But  we  have  spoken  of  this  in  the  body  of  this  work,  in  the 
annals  of  the  y«ar,  1800  and  1801.     (See  pages  69  and  79  ) 

In  this  church  he  enjoyed  a  larger  measure  of  success  ia  winning 
souls  to  Christ,  and  gathering  them  into  the  visible  church,  during 
his  stay  with  them ;  although  he  was  now  advancing  to  about  sixty 
*  See  jjote  «b  page  71  of  this  work. 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTEI^iS  :    E.  SMITH.  343 

years  of  age.  In  1798  tliis  church  uuited  -with  but  18  members;  but 
it  so  increa?ed  uuder  his  ministry,  that  when  it  was  dismissed  to  the 
Westfield  Association  in  1811,  it  numbered  121  in  fellowship. 

From  this  time  we  are  unable  to  trace  his  history,  till  we  find  the 
account  of  his  decease  recorded  in  the  Am.  Bap.  Magazine,  for  Sept., 
1824,  Vol.  IV.,  pages  429,430.  His  decease  and  character  are  thus 
described  in  a  letter  from  Rev.  Elisha  Tucker,  then  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church  in  the  place,  and  intimately  acquainted  with  him  in 
his  declining  years. 

"  Fredonia,  N.  Y.,  July  12,  1824. 
.'  Rev.  and  Deae  Sir  : 

*'  At  the  special  request  of  the  late  Elder  Ebenezer  Smith,  a  short 
time  since,  it  now  becomes  my  duty  to  state  to  you  that  he  has  gone 
to  receive  his  reward.  He  breathed  his  last  on  the  morning  of  the 
CtliJuly.  Since  April  he  has  been  grndually  declining.  At  first  he 
seemed  a  little  uneasy  at  being  confined  to  his  house ;  his  great 
anxiety  was  to  preach  as  long  as  he  lived,  but  he  soon  became  con- 
vinced that  his  work  was  done ;  and  resigned  to  the  will  of  God,  he 
commenced  examining  himself  closely.  The  result  was,  the  fullest 
and  firmest  confidence  in  the  doctrine  of  grace,  and  a  holy  satisfac- 
tion of  his  union  to  Christ.  Grace,  Grace,  was  his  theme  as  long  as 
he  lived. 

"  And  here  I  cannot  deny  myself  the  pleasure  of  making  an  ex- 
tract from  his  journal,  dated  October  4th,  1823:  'I  am  this  day 
eighty-nine  years  old  ;  have  tried  to  preach  the  Gospel  sixty -nine 
years  and  ten  months ;  have  been  an  ordained  Elder  in  the  Baptist 
order,  sixty-two  years  and  six  weeks  ;  and  have  traveled  and  preached 
in  seven  of  the  United  States.  I  have  been  called  in  the  course  of 
my  life  to  defend  the  liberties  of  the  Baptists  in  the  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts ;  to  plead  their  cause  before  the  General  Court  in  Boston, 
before  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  before  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas, 
and  before  the  Supreme  Court ;  and  having  obtained  help  of  the  Lord, 
J  continue  to  this  day.  Although  my  bodily  strength  decays,  I  am 
favored  with  the  clear  use  of  my  reason  and  understanding.  The 
things  of  religion,  the  truths  that  I  have  tried  to  preach,  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  Gospel,  and  the  order  of  building  up  the  visible  church, 
appear  to  be  a  Divine  reality,  and  that  it  is  safe  to  die  in  the  belief 
of  these  truths.  But  when  I  look  into  myself,  what  a  poor,  sinful, 
imperfect  creature  !  I  cannot  find  anything  that  I  have  done  to 
plead  before  a  holy  God.  But  I  have  hope  through  a  Savior's  merits. 
If  God  can,  consistently  with  his  own  glory,  show  mercy  to  such  a 
poor  sinner,  /  am  safe  ; — otherwise,  I  am  lost : — but  here  I  am,  re- 
signed to  the  will  of  God.  Lord,  if  thou  hast  any  more  work  for  me 
to  do,  give  me  strength  to  do  it ;  if  not,  do  with  me  as  seetneth  good  in 
thy  sight.' 

"  Under  date  of  March  last,  he  writes  as  follows  .•  '  Two  persons, 
■who  heard  me  preach  my  first  sermon  in  November,  1753,  weie  pres- 
ent to  hear  my  last  sermon  in  November,  1823,  which  completed  sev- 
enty years  of  my  ministry.' 


344  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

"  This  I  think  a  very  extraordinary  circumstance,  particularly 
•when  we  understand  that  the  last  sermon  -was  delivered  about  500 
miles  from  the  place  where  they  heard  the  Jirst.  These  persons  ■were 
also  both  present  at  his  interment. 

"  During  the  last  days  of  his  illness  his  mind  -was  very  clear,  and 
very  happy  in  prospect  of  death.  He  was  exercised  "with  but  very 
little  pain,  and  his  Heavenly  Father  seemed  carefully  and  tenderly 
opening  a  passage  for  the  flight  of  his  immortal  spirit,  which  took 
place  the  morning  before  mentioned,  without  a  strugcjle  or  a  groan. 

"  Thus  did  Elder  Smith  come  to  his  grave  in  full  age,  "like  as  a 
shock  of  corn  cometh  in  liis  season."  The  text  "which,  "while  living,  he 
selected  for  discussion  at  the  time  of  his  interment,  was  the  7th  and 
8th  verses  of  the  ISIh  chapter  of  Hebrews. 

"  I  would  further  state,  that  since  Elder  Smith  has  lived  in  this  re- 
gion, he  has  endeared  himself  to  all  the  friends  of  religion,  as  a 
faithful  and  devoted  servant  of  the  Lord. 

*'  I  am  yours, 

"E.  TUCKER. 

"  Editors  of  Am.  Bap.  Magazine." 


XVI.  ELDER  OBED  WARREN,  OF  SALEM,  N.  Y. 

Although  Elder  Warren  was  actually  a  pastor  in  the  Shaftsbury 
Association  but  a  few  years,  yet,  from  his  near  location,  at  Salem,  N. 
y.,  for  more  than  20  years,  he  was  a  very  frequent  visitor,  and  often 
preached,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  business  of  the  body ;  as 
well  as  served  them  in  1804,  as  a  missionary  with  the  lamented 
Covell,  in  a  tour  through  Western  New-York,  and  into  Upper  Canada. 
For  these  reasons  we  judge  it  appropriate  to  condense  from  authen- 
tic sources,  the  following  biographic  notice  of  him  for  this  work. 

He  was  born  in  Plainfield,  Conn.,  of  pious  parents,  Mai-eh  18th, 
1760;  and  at  the  early  age  of  sevett.  years,  he  was  the  subject  of  the 
awakenhirj, — and  as  he  afterwards  thought, — of  the  saving  influence 
of  the  spirit  of  God.  This  he  kept  to  himself,  and  not  till  he  "was 
fifteen  years  old,  when  his  parents  had  removed  to  Dudley,  Mass.,  did 
he  make  an  open  profession  of  religion,  by  imiting  with  the  Baptist 
church.  In  this  town  he  commenced  preaching,  and  on  the  day  he 
was  21  years  old,  delivered  his  first  sermon.  He  had  a  call  to  Hali- 
fax, Vt.,  where  he  settled,  was  ordajned,  and  labored  for  several  years 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  until  he  removed  to  Salem,  N.  Y.  In 
1788,  his  name  occurs  on  the  Shaftsbury  minutes,  as  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church  at  Halifax,  to  which  15  had  been  added  during  the 
year,  under  his  ministry.  The  year  he  removed  to  Salem  we  cannot 
ascertain,  but  in  1792  his  name  is  recorded  on  the  minutes  of  the 
Vermont  Association,  as  pastor  of  said  church,  with  an  accession  of 
27  duriug  the  year,  and  a  total  of  61  members  in  his  church.  Here 
he  spent  more  than  twenty  years  of  his  public  ministry,  and  enjoyed 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :   O.  WARREN.  345 

several  revivals  among  hia  people,  in  one  of  -which,  in  1808,  more 
than  50  united  with  his  church.  In  a  letter  dated  July  16th,  1808, 
he  gives  the  following  account  of  this  work  of  Divine  grace: — ■ 
"  Some  time  in  December  last,  evening  conferences  were  set  up  in  the 
neighborhood  where  I  live;  and  tlie  brethren  appeared  quite  engaged 
in  prayer  and  exhortation.  Some  of  the  young  people  attended,  and 
appeared  to  hear  with  solemnity  ;  but  there  was  no  apparent  concern 
among  the  unregenerate,  till  about  the  first  of  February,  when  it  be- 
came evident  that  there  was  an  inquiry  among  some  of  the  youth. 
The  work  appeared  gradually  to  increase ;  and  conferences  were 
holden  two  evenings  in  a  week  from  about  that  time, 

"  On  the  first  Sabbath  in  March,  five  were  baptised.  This  appeared 
to  alarm  many,  and  the  awakening  soon  spread  pretty  generally 
through  every  part  of  the  society.  Vain  meetings  of  the  youth  were 
attended  no  more,  unless  by  a  few;  but  religious  conferences  were 
set  up  all  around.  I  generally  attended  five  or  six  in  a  week ;  and 
yet  I  believe  I  did  not  attend  much  more  than  half  the  conferences 
in  the  circle  of  our  congregation.  Meetings  on  Lord's  days  wero 
very  full,  and  people  appeared  to  hear  as  for  eternity.  In  confer- 
ence meetings  such  an  awful  solemnity  was  visible  on  the  minds  of 
the  people  in  general,  as  I  think  I  have  never  seen  before.  Some 
meetings,  for  solemnity,  seemed  almost  like  the  judgment  day.  Your 
acquaintance  with  me,  and  the  interest  you  have  in  the  welfare  of 
my  family,  will  excuse  me  for  being  a  little  particular  ;  but  still,  it 
will  be  impossible  for  me  to  describe  the  great  mercies  of  God  to  my 
family,  or  my  own  feelings  on  the  occasion.  Had  you,  my  brother, 
(Elder  Blood,  whom  he  was  addressing,)  raised  a  large  family,  seen  a 
number  of  them  married,  and  most  of  them  with  their  companions, 
at  your  house ;  and  when  mildly  speaking  a  few  words  to  them  about 
their  souls, — to  see   every  one  of  them  in  tears,   some  of  them  im- 

f)ressed  with  an  awful  sense  of  their  lost  situation ;  and  others  who 
lad  a  hope  in  Christ,  sympathizing  with  them, — you  might  form 
some  idea  of  my  feelings  respecting  my  family.  These  things  I  have 
seen  and  felt ;  blessed  be  God.  I  hope  a  number  of  them  have 
chosen  that  good  part  which  cannot  be  taken  from  them.  Since  the 
revival  began,  I  have  baptised  two  daughters,  two  daughters-in-law, 
and  one  son-in-law.  I  have  three  of  my  own  children,  and  four  who 
are  such  by  marriage,  members  of  the  church  with  me.  I  have  good 
satisfaction  for  my  second  son,  but  he  has  not  yet  made  an  open  pro- 
fession. 

"  Since  the  first  of  March,  more  ihanfiftij  have  joined  the  church  ; 
and  numbers  have  obtained  a  hope,  who  have  not  connected  with  any 
church.  More  than  thirty  have  in  the  same  time  joined  the  Presby- 
terian church  in  Cambridge.  Some  are  still  under  serious  awaken- 
ings ;  but  at  present,  the  work  seems  rather  on  the  decline."* 

Elder  AVarren  remained  with  the  Salem  Baptist  Church,  in  what 
is  now  called  Shushan  village,  till  the  spring  of  1812,  when  he  was 
dismissed  from  them  at  his  own  request,  because  he  felt  that  his 

*  See  Mass.  Bap.  Missionary  Magazine,  Vol.  II.,  pages  137-8. 


346  SHAFTSBtJRY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

■work  was  done  in  that  place,  and  God  called  him  to  another  part  of 
his  vineyard.  During  Ins  connection  with  this  church  he  associated 
with  the  Vermont  Association,  to  which  the  Salem  church  belonged 
for  many  years ;  but  still  he  was  often  present  with  the  Shaftsbury 
brethren,  to  whom  he  was  much  endeared,  as  the  above  letter  to  El- 
ber  Blood  shows.  But  in  1812  we  find  his  name  in  the  minutes  of 
this  body,  as  pastor  of  the  Cambridge  Baptist  church  as  then  called, 
now  the  White  Creek,  for  more  than  thirty  years,  under  the  care  of 
his  successor.  Elder  Daniel  Tinkham,  unto  this  day,  save  for  three  or 
four  years.  In  this  new  connection  Elder  Warren  remained  four  years, 
or  till  the  spring  of  1816,  during  which  he  added  some  25  or  30  to  this 
churcli,  no  general  revival  occurring,  although  in  the  first  year,  14 
were  united  to  it.  In  1816  his  name  is  found  with  the  Hoosick 
church,  as  its  pastor,  when  it  disappears  entirely.  Elder  Warren  was 
Moderator  of  this  Association  in  the  years  1811-12  iind  15.  In  1813 
he  preached  the  introductory  sermon  by  appointment,  and  in  1814  he 
wrote  the  circular  letter.  In  this  body  he  was  much  respected  for 
his  preaching  and  business  talents,  as  well  as  for  his  sound  judgment 
and  fervent  piety,  that  made  his  absence  to  be  much  felt  by  his  breth- 
ren, when  he  left  them. 

He  removed  to  Delphi,  Onondaga  county,  where  he  spent  tioo 
years,  and  enjoyed  an  interesting  revival :  and  thence  to  Scipio, 
Cayuga  county,  where  he  spent  one  year  ;  and  thence  he  removed  to 
Eaton,  Madison  county,  and  took  charge  of  the  first  Baptist  church 
for  three  years,  during  which  he  bore  an  active  part  in  the  atfaira 
of  the  Madison  Association,  the  Hamilton  and  Mfidison  Missionary 
Societies,  and  the  Literary  and  Theological  Institution.  He  was 
some  time  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Education 
Society,  and  served  the  cause  of  Ministerial  Education,  as  collecting 
agent,  for  a  few  months  in  1821-22.  His  sympathies  were  strongly 
enlisted  in  this  enterprise  of  our  denomination,  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  rismg  ministry.  "  His  correctness  of  judgment,  known 
integrity,  and  weight  of  character,  gave  him  much  influence  in  re- 
moving the  fears,  and  obviating  the  prejudice  of  many  against  the 
Institution.  He  embraced  the  object  as  a  very  important  one,  and  en- 
tered fully  into  the  principles  of  the  constitution,  and  the  measures 
adopted  for  its  support." 

Elder  Warren  considered  Eaton  his  last  field  of  toil,  when  he  re- 
moved thither;  but  in  the  winter  before  his  decease,  he  thought  the 
Lord  called  him  to  a  service  in  the  Baptist  church  in  Covert,  Sene- 
ca county,  where  he  finished  the  work  of  his  ministry,  and  on  the 
29th  of  August,  1823,  ended  his  valuable  life,  in  the  64th  year  of 
hia  age,  and  the  forty-third  of  his  ministry,  after  having  been  pastor 
of  eight  ditferent  churches.  He  was  favored  with  some  revival 
mercies  in  this  last  field  of  his  toil,  and  several  were  added  to 
the  church  during  the  summer,  some  of  them  by  baptism.  He  was 
favored  with  health  to  preach  till  about  a  month  before  his  death ; 
and  with  what  feelings  and  views  of  the  work  of  the  ministry,  the 
following  language,  addressed  to  his  friend  and  brother.  Elder  John 
Peck,  will  testify :    "  O  that  all  the    saints  were  more   fervent  in 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  ;   0.  WARREN.  547 

their  desires  that  tbe  Lord  of  the  harrest  would  send  forth  labor- 
ers !  O  that  all  the  laborers  might  work  daily  as  thoiigli  they  were 
doing  their  last  work  I  How  seldom  do  we,  mj  brother,  when  we 
preach  or  converse  with  one  another,  speak  as  though  we  realized 
there  is  but  a  single  step  between  us  and  the  eternal  world!  O 
for  more  fervency  in  praying,  more  energy  and  spirituality  in  preach- 
ing, exhorting  and  warning  sinners  to  Jice  from  the  lorath  to  come." 

During  his  last  illness  of  about  three  weeks,  he  had  strong  expec- 
tations of  recovery,  and  hoped  to  return  to  his  labors  and  see  more 
of  ttie  salvation  of  God  among  his  people.  And  even  when  death 
was  changing  his  countenance,  one  of  his  daughters  asked  him  "If 
he  did  not  think  he  was  dying!"  He  answered,  "No;  I  shall  live 
and  preach  the  Gospel."  A  member  of  bis  church  standing  by,  said 
to  him,  "  Brother  Warren,  you  are  dying."  He  replied,  witboat  tbe 
lea^t  alarm,  "  Well,  farewell ;  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  ?«e»i." 
He  spoke  but  once  more,  when  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  in  the  64tb 
year  of  his  age,  leaving  a  widow  and  six  children  to  mourn  their  ir- 
reparable loss.  But  their  sorrows,  blessed  be  God.  were  mingled 
with  the  purest  joy,  and  the  most  triumphant  hope.  His  funeral  was 
attended  on  the  next  Lord's  day,  when  a  discourse  was  preached 
by  Elder  O.  C.  Comstoek,  to  a  large  and  solemn  assembly,  from 
Psalm,  73  :  24-,  "'  Thou  shall  gtiide  me  with  thy  counsel,  and  afterward 
receive  tne  to  ghr;/."  The  following  tribute  to  his  worth  was  re- 
corded soon  after  his  lamented  death,  in  the  Mass.  Bap.  Miss.  Maga- 
zine, Vol.  IV.,  page  274  : 

"The  records  of  many  churches,  and  the  minutes  of  numerous 
councils  and  associations)  with  the  voice  of  hundreds  and  thousands, 
bear  concurrent  testimony  to  his  zeal  and  usefulness  in  the  Zion 
of  God.  Deriving  a  strong  mind  from  bis  Creator,  improved  by 
much  reading,  observation  and  experience,  the  deceased  was  justly 
esteerced  a  valuable  counsellor  and  friend,  and  an  able  minister  of 
the  New  Testament.  Beholding  the  truth  in  a  strong  and  clear 
point  of  light,  and  exulting  in  its  refining  power,  he  promptly  re- 
jected every  thing  which  he  deemed  incompatible  with  the  principles 
and  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  The  sternness  of  his  virtue,  the  honesty 
of  his  decisions,  and  the  candor  of  his  advice,  have  sometimes  kin- 
dled unfriendly  feelings,  and  provoked  censure.  Wherever  he  found 
the  path  of  duty,  he  fearlessly  advanced,  regardless  of  every  conse- 
quence. In  the  imperfection  of  man,  he  may  sometimes  have  erred 
in  judgment:  but  all  must  admire  the  purity  of  his  sentiments,  and 
tbe  rectitude  of  his  intuitions.  He  courted  not  popularity,  he  sought 
not  tbe  applause  of  men  ;  but  the  apjirobation  of  his  own  conscience 
and  the  approving  smiles  of  Heaven.  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the 
righteous,  and  my  last  end  be  like  his." 


XVII.     ELDER  ISAAC  WEBB,  OF  LA.N3INQBURGH. 

For  about  25  years  Elder  Webb  was  an  active  pastor  or  minister  in 
this  body,  serving  three  different  churches,  each  a  term  of  years,  and 


348  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

a  fourth,  one  year.  For  about  25  years  more  he  resided  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  this  association,  and  hence  a  biogi-aphic  sketch  of  him  may 
be  appropriately  garnered  in  tliis  work.  Where  he  was  born,  we 
do  not  learn  ;  but  ho  commenced  his  ministerial  career  at  Brandon, 
Vt.,  where  he  was  ordained  September  24,  1780,  by  such  men  as 
Blood,  Beals,  and  Henry  Green;  the  first  preaching  the  sermon; 
the  S€co7id  giving  the  charge;  and  the  third  the  hand  of  fellowship  ; 
the  consecrating  prayer,  we  presume,  by  the  preacher,  Elder  Blood, 
of  Shaftsbury.  Elder  Webb  continued  at  Brandon  some  two  or  three 
years,  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church. 

In  1793,  he  first  became  a  member  of  this  body  as  the  pastor  of 
the  1st  Baptist  church  in  Pittstown,  Rensselaer  county,  N.  Y.  Here 
lie  remained  till  1802,  thougli  not  as  pastor  all  the  time,  for  in  1799, 
the  lamented  Govell  was  elected  pastor ;  and  Elder  Webb,  as  near 
as  we  can  ascertain,  aided  by  liis  labors,  the  then  infant  Baptist 
church  in  Troy;  and  from  1803  to  1811,  his  name  occurs  on  the 
minutes  as  pastor  of  that  church.  In  1805  he  enjoyed  a  revival 
of  religion,  and  an  addition  of  3i  is  reported  to  the  church,  with  a 
total  of  76  members.  And  in  1812  he  is  found  on  the  minutes  of 
this  body,  as  pastor  of  the  young  Albany  Baptist  church,  with  a 
reported  membership  of  72.  Here  he  continued  to  officiate  as  pastor 
.some  five  years,  or  till  1816,  when  this  church  was  dismissed  to 
join  tlie  Hudson  River  Association,  then  newly  formed.  He  enjoyed 
the  Divine  favor  upon  his  ministry  in  Albany,  adding  to  the  church 
every  year,  some  ;  27  the  last,  and  66  during  the  5  years  of  his 
pastorate,  leaving  them  with  90  members.  In  the  year  1817,  his 
name  occurs  in  the  minutes  as  Pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Hoosick.  After  this  his  name  disappears  from  the  Shaftsbury  min  ■ 
utes  entirely.  But  Elder  Webb,  though  engaged,  as  we  understand 
he  was,  for  the  greater  part  of  liis  life  in  mercantile  pursuits,  at  Hoo- 
sick, White  Creek,  Union  Village,  anJ  Lansiugburgh,  still  preached 
the  Gospel  occasionally,  till  his  advanced  age  and  infirmities  excused 
him  from  public  service. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  counted  a  "  workman  that  needed  not  be 
ashamed  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth."  In  his  doctrinal  views. 
he  was  a  strong  Calvanist,  of  the  old  school ;  and  it  is  understood  he 
feared  the  result  of  the  more  lenient  sentiments  into  which  he  saw  his 
Brethren  graduall}*  sliding.  He  retained  to  the  last,  his  relish  for 
strong  doctrine,  and  for  distinctive  Baptist  principles  ;  and  in  a  good 
old  age,  he  came  to  his  grave  in  peace.  He  died  at  Lansingburgh, 
K  Y.,  ou  the  20th  of  Feb.  1842  ;  and  Dr.  B.  T.  Welch  of  Albany,  at 
that  time,  for  whose  preaching  he  had  a  strong  partiality,  preached 
his  funeral  sermon  from  Rev.  14th  chap.  13  verse.  It  was  a  most 
befitting  discourse  for  the  occasion,  as  well  as  the  character  of  a  good 
man. 

Elder  Webb  was  an  active  member  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association, 
preaching  the  introductory  sermon,  presiding  among  his  Brethren,  or 
writing  the  circular  and  corresponding  letters,  a  number  of  times.  In 
the  years  1799,  1807,  and  181-5  he  preached  Alie introductory  sermon. 
In  1808,  '09  '10,  '13,  and  1810  he  served  his  Brethren  as  Moderator. 


SEC.  II.]  MiNISTEES  :   P.  WKRDEN.  349 

Aad  in  1794,  5.806,  and  1809,  (Jbe  drcular  letters  of  the  Body  were 
frortt  his  pen.  Besides,  be  was  often  oa  committees  of  ivference  on 
difScult  subjects,  and  was  frequently  called  wpoia  to  preach  a  sermon, 
amidst  the  busines.s  of  tke  AssoeiatioR,  ftr  the  comfort  and  instruction 
both  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  from  the  churches.  Thus, 
was  he  honored  in  his  day  aod  geacratioD,  by  those  who  best  kaew 
his  worth,  ButfecisgORe  to  his  fathers,  aad  "hiswoika  do  follow 
him.'' 


.ilO 

XVIIL    ELDER   PETER   WERDEN',  OP   FIRST   CHESHIRE-'^ 
MASSACHUSETTa  i 

Of  this  venerahle  man  of  God  amd  minister  of  the  Gospel,  we  ■can 
give  no  better  account  than  to  copy  entire,  or  with  some  unimportant 
omissions,  the  biographical  accoumt  of  kim  coTstained  in  Benedict, 
Vol.  XL,  pages  401-404.  We  pi-^sume,  from  the  closing  senteace, 
that  it  is  the  production  of  Elder  J.  Lsland's  pen;  but  none  the  less 
valuable  for  that,  because  he  lived  in  the  same  town  and  labored 
side  by  side  with  kim  for  seme  fifteen  years,  and  hence  knew  where- 
of he  affirmed. 

"  Elder  Pkter  Werbf..v  was  bom  June  €th,  1728,  and  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  at  Warwick,  Rhode  Island,  May,  \761,  in 
the  24th  year  of  his  age.  When  he  first  began  to  preacli  he  was 
too  much  of  a  Ifew-Light,  and  too  strongly  attached  to  the  doctrine 
of  salvation  b>/  sovereign  grace,  to  be  generally  received  among 
the   old  Baptist  churches  in  Rhode  Island,  which  had  been  formed 

Sartly  upon  the  Arminian  plan,  until  the  following  event  opened  the 
oor  for  him. 

"  A  criminal,  by  the  name  of  Carter,  was  to  be  executed  at  Tower-'^ 
Hill,  and  the  scene  of  liis  execution  collected  abundance  of  people  ' 
from  all  parts  of  the  State.  While  the  criminal  stood  under  the 
gallows,  young  Werden  felt  such  a  concern  for  his  soul,  that  he  urged 
his  way  through  the  crowd,  and  being  assisted  by  the  Sheriff,  he 
gained  access  to  him,  and  addressed  him  as  follows :  '  Sir,  is  your 
soul  prepared  for  (hat  aic/ul  efernita  into  which  you  will  launch  in 
a  fenB  minutes r  The  criminal  replied:  'I  don't  know  that  it  is; 
but  I  wish  you  would  pray  for  me.'  In  this  prayer,  Mr.  Werden 
was  so  wonderfully  assisted  in  spreading  the  poor  man's  cause  before 
the  throne  of  God,  that  the  whole  assembly  were  awfully  solemn- 
ized, and  most  of  them  wet  their  cheeks  with  their  tears.  This 
opened  a  great  door  for  his  ministrations,  both  on  the  main  and  on 
the  island.  He  preached  at  Warwick,  Coventry,  and  many  other 
places,  with  good  success,  about  nineteen  years,  and  then  moved  in 
1770,  into  the  town  of  Cheshire,  Berkshire  county,  Massachusetts, 
where  he  lived  and  administered  almost  38  years. 

"  In  his  first  religious  exercises  he  was  led  to  dig  deep  into  hia 
own  heart,  where  he  found  such  opposition  and  rebelUon,  that  when 
he  obtained  pardon,  he  attributed  it  to  sovereign  grace  alone ;  which 
16  -v^^J 


350  SHAfTSBURY    ASSOCIATIOX.  [APi^ENDIX. 

seatiment,  so  interwoven  In  his  soul,  lie  ever  proclaimed  aload  to  a 
dying  world.  Nothing  appeared  to  be  more  disgustful  to  his  mind, 
than  to  hear  works  and  grace  mixed  together,  as  a  foundation  of  a 
sinner's  hope.  To  hold  forth  the  Lamb  of  God  as  a  piece  of  a  Sa- 
vior; or  to  consider  the  self-exertions  of  a  natural  man,  to  be  the  ican 
into  Christ,  tlie  true  and  only  way, — were  extremely  displeasing  to 
that  soul  of  his,  which  delfghted  so  mnch  in  proclaiming  eternal  iove, 
redeeming  blood,  and  matchless  grace. 

"  Sound  judgment,  correct  principles,  humble  demeanor,  with  sol- 
emn sociability, — marked  all  his  public  improvements,  and  mingled 
with  all  his  conversation  in  smaller  circles,  or  with  individuals.  In 
him  young  preachers  found  a  father  and  a  friend  ;  distressed  church- 
es, a  healer  of  breaches,  and  tempted  souls,  a  sympathizing  guide. 
From  his  tii'st  settling  in  Cheshire,  until  he  was  70  years  old,  he  was 
a  father  to  the  Baptist  churches  in  Berkshire  county  and  its  environs, 
and  in  some  sense,  an  apostle  to  tliem  all.  His  numy  painful  kibora 
for  the  salvation  of  sinners,  the  peace  of  the  churches,  and  the  ^jurity 
of  the  ministers,  will  never  be  fully  appreciated,  until  the  time  when 
he  shall  stand  before  his  Judge,  aud  heuv  the  words  of  his  mouth, — 
'  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant.' 

"From  the  sternness  of  his  eyes,  and  the  bhi:^h  of  his  face,  a 
strangei'  would  have  been  led  to  conclude  that  he  was  sovereign  and 
Belf-willed,  in  his  natural  habit  of  mind ;  but  on  acquaiutance,  the 
physiognomist  would  have  been  agreeably  disappointed.  He  had  so 
much  self-government,  that  he  has  been  heard  to  say,  that,  (except 
•when  he  had  the  small-pox,)  he  never  found  it  hard  to  keep  from 
speaking  at  any  time,  if  his  reason  told  him  it  was  best  to  forbear ; 
and  no  man  possessed  finer  feelings,  or  treated  the  characters  of 
others  with  more  delicacy  than  he  did.  He  had  an  exalted  idea  (»f 
the  inalienable  rights  of  conscience ;  justly  appreciated  the  civil 
rights  of  man,  and  was  assiduous  to  keep  his  brethren  from  tiie  chains 
of  ecclesiastic^.!  power. 

"  His  jDreaching  was  both  sentimental  and  devotional ;  aud  his  life 
80  far  corresponded  with  the  precepts  which  lie  taught,  that  none  of 
his  hearers  could  justly  reply,  '  Physician,  heal  ttiyself.' 

"  He  had  the  happiness  of  having  a  number  of  revivals  in  the 
town  and  congregation  where  he  resided  and  preached  ;*  aud  a  num- 

*  In  regsTdtotherevlvalsof  Eld.  Werden's  ministry,  itin»y  Improper  to  reniarl<, 
thiat  the  early  period  of  his  uiiuistry  in  l.  liesliire,  bofure  the  i><>pu!at)on  had  become 
densely  settled,  and  while  many  things  hindered  tlie  rapid  growth  of  churclies 
genenUly,  beside  his  advanced  age,  it  was  not  to  be  expeotcd  under  sneh  cii'cnm- 
sfances.that  large  additions -vTonld  reward  the  labors  of  a  minister  in  a  single  town. 
He  wasover  40  years  of  age  when  he  removed  thither,  and  ■wheii  we  first  find  the 
slatjstjcs  of  his  church  in  17 St-,  he  was  nearly  60  yeai's  of  age ;  and  yet  the  relurna 
of  that  year  gjve  his  church  a  membership  of  117.  But  in  tlie  years  1"S0--'01, 
when  he  was  passing  the  period  of  60,  his  ministrj'  was  fruitful  iii  a  revival  that 
Beems  to  liave  added  in  the ///;v<?  years,  more  than  one  htiiulred  to  bis  clnireh, 
njaklng  theju  ju  1731,  after  diminutions  by  death,  exclusions  and  removals,  ave  ac- 
counted for,  170  in  number.  After  this  time,  his  great  age,  and  the  growing  popu- 
Larity  of  Lelnnd  in  the  Hrd  church,  caused  tlio  tide  to  turn  in  favor  of  the  latter 
church ;  60  that  his  membersblp  became  very  much  reduced  before  his  death.  And 
yet  in  the  years  J800  And  ISOl,  wijlg  other  branches  of  Zion  aiound,  were  being  fa- 


6EG.  II.]   .  ministers:  p.  werden.  35i 

ber  of  ministers  were  raised  up  ia  the  church  of  which  he  was  pas- 
tor. For  about  tea  years  before  his  death,  his  bodily  and  mental 
powers  had  been  on  the  decline,  and  he  was  often,  heard  to  rejoicC) 
that  others  increased,  though  he  decreased  ;  but  his  superannuation 
was  not  so  great,  as  to  prevent  the  whole  of  his  usefulness  ;  and  his 
'  hoary  head  was  a  crown  of  glory  unto  him.'  A  number  of  times  he 
was  heard  to  pray  that  he  might  not  outlive  his  usefulness,  which 
was  remarkably  answered  in  his  case,  for  the  Lord's  day  before  he 
died  he  preached  to  the  people  of  his  charge.  The  disease  which 
closed  his  mortal  life,  denied  his  friends  the  pleasure  of  catching  the 
balm  of  life  from  his  lips,  in  his  last  moments.  He  had  finished  his 
work  before,  and  nothing  remained  for  him  to  do,  biU  to  die. 

"  Let  the  inhabitants  of  Cheshire,  (said  Mr.  Leland,  liis  biographer, 
and  who  exhibited  the  above,  at  the  close  of  the  sermon  which  he 
preached  at  his  funeral,)  reflect  a  moment  on  the  dealings  of  God 
towards  them.  Within  about  three  years,  three  ministers  belonging 
to  the  town,  have  departed  this  life.  The  pious  Mason  took  the  lead  ; 
the  pleasing  Oovell  followed  after;  and  now,  (in  1808,)  the  arduous 
WEaDK>f,  who  has  been  iu  the  ministry  longer  than  any  Baptist 
preacher  left  behind,  in  New  England,  has  finished  his  course,  m  the 
both  year  of  his  age  ;  while  Leland  remains  alone,  to  raise  this  monu-'r, 
ment  over  their  tomb."  -,[ 

Such  was  the  record  made  at  the  time  of  departed  worth,  and  now 
after  the  lapse  of  almost  half  a  century,  while  we  inquire,  "  The 
Fathers — where  are  they  ? — and  the  prophets,  do  they  live  forever  ?" 
we  may  profitably  listen  to  the  echo  of  their  voices,  who,  being  dead, 
yet  opea/c  to  us,  '  to  be  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and 
patience  have  inherited  the  promises."  May  we  who  are  now  on  the 
stage  of  action,  as  well  fighi  the  fight  of  faith,  and  fulfil  the  work  of 
our  day  of  service,  as  a  Werden,  a  Mason,  a  Covell,  and  a  Leland 
did,  the  work  of  their  service  of  service  in  the  kingdom  and  patience 
of  Jesus.  " 

vored  Tvlth  the  dews  of  Divine  grace,  liis  people  were  not  left  entirely  desolate,  nor 
his  soul  uucheered  by  fresh  tokens  of  his  Kedeemer's  favor  upun  his  ministry.  In 
two  years  the  pleasing  addition  of  some  22  were  reported  to  bis  church,  while  he 
was  attaining  the  age  of  70  in  life,  and  the  50th  year  of  his  public  ministry.  And 
still  in  18U4,  we  find  him  adding  12  more  in  a  year  to  his  flock,  and  three  or  four  in 
the  subseijuent  years  of  his  lengthened  pastorate  of  3S  years  among  that  one  people, 
until  he  fell  with  the  armor  on,  nobly  contending  for  truth,  and  encouraging  the 
hearts  of  his  brethren.  In  the  80th  year  of  his  ago,  and  to  the  last  Sabbaih  of  his 
eventful  life.     Is  not  this  "  bearing  fruit  even  in  old  ago?"    (Psalm,  92  ;  14.) 

Elder  Werden  appeared  once  at  least  in  print,  before  the  public,  in  a  Httle  work 
of  64  duodecimo  pages,  with  the  following  title  .■  "  Letters  to  a  Fbiend;  containing 
remarks  on  a  pamphlet  writtan  by  Job  Scott,  entitled  'The  £apii.?m  of  Christ,  a 
Gospel  ordinance,  being  altogether  inward,  spiritual,  &c.  By  Peter  "VVerdex. 
Printed  at  Lansingburgb,  by  Wm.  W.  Wands,  for  the  Author.  MDCCXCVI."  -., 
(1796.)  H 

This  pamphlet  embraces  a  series  of  Ten  Letters,  on  the  various  points  in  contro— 
versy  between  those  christians, — and  especially  the  Baptists, — who  differ  from  the 
Friends  or  Quakers,  in  their  views  of  Gospel  ordinances.  Its  spirit  is  good;  but 
he  presses  the  argument  pretty  close  home  upon  the  writer  he  is  reviewing.  This 
pamphlet  gives  evidence  of  the  intellectual  power,  as  well  as  the  religious  princi- 
I>les  of  this  venerable  Father  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association. 


352  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 

XIX  ELDER  GEORGE  WITHERELL,  OF  HARTFORD,  N.  Y' 

The  subject  of  tbis  sketch  was  a  member  of  this  body  for  tbe 
period  of  7  years  ;  and  often  a  corresponding  member  for  many  years 
beside.  Where  he  originated,  or  -where  he  was  ordained,  we  cannot 
say ;  but  he  was  reported  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  North 
Adams  village  in  1809,  the  year  after  its  organization.  Here  he  re- 
mained for  four  years,  or  till  1812,  during  -which  time  he  enjoyed 
one  revival,  in  1810  in  which  this  infant  church  received  an  ac- 
cession of  17  members,  making  a  total  of  56,  about  -which  number 
it  contained  till  1818,  -when  another  revival  added  about  70  to 
their  fellowship  in  two  years. 

Elder  Witherell,  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Colerain, 
Mass.,  for  some  years  following  this,  as  we  judge.  For  in  1817, 
under  date  of  Jan.  18th,  we  find  him  writing  a  letter  to  the  Editor 
of  the  American  Bap.  Magazine,  dated  at  Colerain,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  an  extract. 

*'  Dear   Sir,    The    work  of  the  Lord  is    still  progressing  in  this 

flace.  I  have  now  baptised  64,  whohave  joined  the  church  of  which 
have  the  care.  I  think  a  number  more  will  soon  be  added.  The 
above  number  were  baptised  within  the  term  of  three  months.  I 
intend  giving  you  a  more  particular  account  of  the  beginning  and 
progress  of  this  good  work;  when  it  shall  have  come  to  a  close.  The 
youth  have  shared  remarkably  in  this  reformation.  The  last  Sabbath 
in  December,  our  communion  presented  a  scene  the  most  pleasing 
and  affecting.  There  were  upwards  of  100  communicants,  a  majority 
of  whom  were  young  persons.  Many  of  these,  as  they  expressed 
themselves,  were  three  months  before,  in  the  broad  road  to  ruin.  This 
sir,  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvellous  in  our  eyes."* 

In  1820  to  '22,  we  find  his  name  on  the  Shaftsbury  minutes  again 
for  3  years,  as  Pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Hoosick.  But  here  he 
Beemed  to  have  had  small  success,  as  few  were  added  to  the  church, 
only  6  during  his  mnistry  among  them.  After  this  he  became  Pas- 
tor of  the  Baptist  church  in  Hartford,  Washington  co.  N.  Y.,  of  which 
Elder  Amasa  Brown  had  been  the  beloved  shepherd  for  some  SO 
years.  Elder  W.  came  directly  from  Hoosick,  where  he  remained 
till  18.34. 

From  1823  to  1830,  he  must  have  been  quite  successful,  as  the  min- 
utes for  those  years  show  an  increase  of  over  100  to  the  church  by 
baptism  chiefly,  and  a  nett  gain  of  some  70.  But  in  the  year 
1831,  after  the  death  of  the  venerable  Brown,  the  church  under  his 
care  shared  largely  in  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  so  exten- 
sive that  year,  and  79  are  reported  in  the  minutes  of  the  Bottskill 
Association,  as  having  been  baptised  into  the  Hartford  church ;  ma- 
king a  total  of  266  members.  But  he  had  trials  in  this  place.  Upon 
the  disclosure  of  the  secrets  of  Free  Masonry,  by  the  Book  of 
Capt.  Wm.  Moi^an,  in  Western  New  York,  Elder  Witherell  felt  him- 
self compelled  to  renounce   his  connection  with  that  institution,  as 

•  See  Am,  Bap.  Mag.  vol.  1,  page  37,  Jan.  181T. 


SEC.  n.]  MINISTERS :   1.  MATTISON.  853 

corrupt  and  anti-christian ;  and  in  consequence  a  violent  j>€r6ecution 
raged  against  him,  which  finally  severed  the  church,  a  minority  of 
70  or  80  members  dissenting,  formed  a  new  church,  called  the 
South  Hartford  church,*  But  the  majority,  who  were  anti  masonic, 
retained  the  services  of  Elder  Witherell,  for  some  six  years  from 
1828,  when  the  dissentioa  occurred,  till  1834,  when  he  was  dismissed 
and  went  west,  into  the  state  of  Indiana,  whence  he  returned,  in  1839 
to  western  Pennsylvania,  on  account  of  the  state  of  his  health,  and 
settled  with  the  Cussewago  cliurch  in  Crawford  co.  But  fell  disease 
had  marked  him  as  his  victim,  and  after  a  few  woeks  labor,  he  sunk 
into  the  embrace  of  death  on  the  19th  of  August,  1839.  Says  a  cor- 
respondent of  the  New  York  Baptist  Register  of  Oct.  11th,  who  for- 
warded the  notice  of  his  death ; — "  In  a  very  few  weeks  from  the 
time  of  his  settlement,  he  bade  farewell  to  the  church  militant,  to 
join  the  church  triumphant.  His  end  was  peace.  That  gospel  which 
he  had  so  long  proclaimed  to  others  was  bis  support  in  the  hour  of 
departure.     His  soul  being  stayed  on  the  great  atoning  sacrifice,  he 

.■  feared  no  evil  when  entering  ''the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death."  The 
day  after  his  decease,  he  was  borne  to  the  grave,  followed  by  a  large 
assembly.  A  funeral  discourse  was  preached  by  Elder  Thomas  B. 
Brown,  of  the  Carmel  church.  Elders  Clark  and  Oviatt  also  took 
part  in  the  services."  B." 

Such  was  the  end  of  this  good  man  after  a  life  of  usefulness  in  hii 
master's  vineyard.  He  had  buried  some  of  his  family,  in  Indiana, 
— one  of  his  sons — engaged  like  himself  in  the  gospel  ministry.  He 
was  an  excellent  preacher;  sound  in  the  faith,  and  wise  in  council  among 
his  brethren,  when  helping  Zion  out  of  her  diflaculties.  He  often  edi- 
fied the  association  by  his  eiear  and  well  arranged  discourses,  when  a 
visitor  among  them-,  and  in  the  Bottskill  Association  of  which  he  was 
an  active  member,  he  was  sometimes  Clerk,  sometimes  Moderator, 
and  sometimes  writer  of  the  Circular  Letter.     And  in  the  Washing- 

1  ton  Association  he  was  the  preacher  of  the  annual  sermon  in  1831,  as 
he  had  been  its  Clerk  for  the  four  yeaj-s  previous.  He  shared,  in  his 
measure,  the  confidence  of  his  brethren  -,  and  let  not  the  breath  of 
scandal  deny  him  a  place  among  the  worthies  of  the  old  Shaftsbury 
Association- 


XX     ELDER  ISAIAH  MATTISON,  OF  SHAFTSBURY,  VT. 

Althou^  yet  living,  we  would  inscribe  upon  these  pages,  and  here 
record  a  few  facts  in  the  public  life  and  labors  of  Elder  Mattison.  He 
was  born  in  Shaftsbury,  near  the  scene  of  his  p-olonged  labors,  on 
the  11th  of  April,  1780.  His  father,  Thomas  Mattison,  was  one  of 
the  oldest  Baptist  inhabitants  of  the  town,  and  a  leading  member  of 
the  first  or  west  Shaftsbury  church,  as  anciently  called.  And  in  the 
barn  of  this  eajly  settler,  (yet  standing  we  believe,)  the  association 

••  Th£  two  parties  trere  re-nn jted  in  184.3,  into  one  body. 


654  SHAFTSBURY   ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX'. 

was  organized  before  a  house  of  worsliip  had  been  erected  ia  tlie 
'town.  The  name  of  Mattison  has  been  numerous  in  Shaftsbury  as  it 
is  to  this  day ;  and  many  of  them  members  in  the  several  churches, 
■which  have  always  been  Baptist  in  town.  Artemas  Mattison,  Esq., 
(a  brother  of  Elder  Mattison)  now  deceased,  was  for  many  years  a 
deacon,  and  the  Clerk  of  this  church,  as  well  as  the  principal  man 
among  the  property  holders,  and  business  men  in  the  church.' 

Elder  Mattisou's  name  occurs  first  on  the  minutes  of  the  association 
ia  1801,  as  a  delegate  from  his  native  church.  In  181)4  he  appeared 
as  Pastor,  haviag  been  ordained  Nov.  2d,  1803.  And  for  the  period 
oi forty-four  years,  with  but  three  or  four  exceptions,  his  name  is  re- 
corded as  a  representative  of  that  church,  forty  of  which,  he  was  its 
Pastor.  And  from  1801  to  1850,  when  he  served  the  body  as  its 
Moderator  for  the  last  time,  he  was  an  active  member  in  its  annual 
meetings,  save  the  8  or  4  years  he  was  absent,  for  the  unprecedented 
period  of  half  a  century.  He  was  Moderator  in  that  time,  for  six 
sessions,  preacher  of  the  introductory  sermon  six  times,  and  writer  of 
the  circular  letter  five  times.  He  never  courted  these  honors,  but  his 
brethren  laid  them  confidingly  at  his  feet. 

His  pastorate,  like  that  of  a  Barber,  Brown,  Hull,  Olmstead  and 
Peck,  was  in  unbroken  succession  in  one  church  for  about  forty  years. 
And  in  Lis  case,  it  was  in  the  town,  and  with  the  church  where  he 
had  been  born  and  reared,  converted  and  baptised,  licensed  and  or- 
dained to  preach  the  gospel ;  an  occurrence  so  rare  as  to  deserve  the 
special  record  we  here  give  it. 

During  18  years  of  this  time — from  1808  to  1825 — he  was  also  the 
pastoral  supply  of  the  4th  church  in  the  same  town,  after  Elder 
Blood's  removal.  In  this  joint  pastorate  of  two  churches  did  he  labor 
with  fidelity  and  success  ;  for  he  enjoyed  a  number  of  revival  seasons 
in  each  church. 

In  \hQ  first  church,  during  the  earliest  15  years  of  his  ministry,  he 
gathered  in  about  70  members;  of  whom  83  were  reported  in  the 
year  1811.  And  from  1819  to  1843,  or  during  the  last  25  years,  in  six 
different  revival  seasons,  about  215  were  baptised  into  the  fellowship 
of  the  church,  it  is  presumed  by  his  hands.  And  in  this  latter  period 
about  60  also  united  by  letter  to  the  people  of  his  charge.  These 
several  numbers  make  about  350  added  to  that  one  church  in  forty 
years,  during  his  pastorate;  of  whom  from  260  to  275  must  have 
been  added  by  baptism,  an  average  of  6^  persons  each  year.  The 
chief  revivals  wore  in  1807;  1810-11;  1825;  1827;  1831-2;  1834; 
1839,  and  in  1843;  being  eight  considerable  revival  seasons  in  forty 
years.  The  largest  number  baptised  in  one  year  was  49  in  1831-2. 
The  largest  membership  this  church  ever  attained  under  his  care,  was 
182,  in  the  year  1834. 

And  in  his  connection  with  the  fourth  church  also,  he  was  emi- 
nently useful,  considering  the  double  care  he  had  on  his  mind.  In  18 
years  he  enjoyed  two  revivals  among  this  people ;  one  of  them  a  large 
blessing  in  the  years  1810-12,  which  brought  in  more  than  100  per- 
sons to  the  fellowship  of  the  church  in  about  two  years.  Then  once 
more,  in  1818-19,  he  was  favored  with  some  revival  mercies  that  add- 


SEC.  H.]  MINISTERS  :    D  .TINKHAM.  355 

ed  30  by  bxptism.  Iii  all  there  were  added  to  this  church  durmg  his 
half  pastorate  of  18  years,  abou^  160,  ni03t  of  them  by  baptism.  In 
1812,  this  churcli  embraced  its  largest  membership,  389,  under  the 
f,;miQistry  of  Elder  Mattison  ;  being  23  more  members  than  it  had  in 
the  3'ear  1800,  after  Elder  Blood's  great  revival 

If  he  baptised  12;'5  in  the  Fourth  chm'ch,  as  -we  presume  he  did  in 
his  coniieetiou  with  them;  and  275  in  the  First  church  in  his  loug 
pastorate  of  forty  years,  as  we  judge  he  did;  there  would  be  a  total 
of  -1  'U  baptised  in  one  town,  or  an  average  of  10  each  year  of  his 
public  ministry.  This  must  be  reckoned  a  successful  ministry  indeed, 
upon  a  territory  so  small,  and  in  the  town  of  his  nativity.  Who 
will  show  us  its  parallel  ]  Elder  Mattisou  baptised  others  in  towns 
and  churches  adjacent,  as  well  as  far  distant  from  the  scene  of  his 
hardest  toils.  How  ?/j any,  we  cannot  tell.  But  in  White  Creek,*  in 
Hoosick,  in  Bennington,  and  in  other  places,  we  hear  of  his  leading 
many  a  willing  convert  down  into  the  flowing  stream,  and  there  bury- 
ing them  beneath  the  yielding  wave,  in  token  of  their  death  to  sin,  and 
raising  tliem  up  to  walk  in  newness  of  life. 

For  a  few  years  pa?;t,  Elder  iL  has  had  no  pastoral  charge ;  but 
has  traveled  and  preached  wherever  a  door  of  usefulness  has  opened 
-  before  him  ;  aud  a  blessing  m  some  instances,  we  are  informed,  has 
attended  these  itinerant  labors.  He  has  journeyed  repeatedly  to  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  where  he  has  childi-en  living;  and  thus  has  been 
permitted  to  scatter  the  seeds  of  truth  in  the  great  western  valley. 

Elder  Mattison  now  bends  under  the  weight  of  more  than  three 
score  and  ten  years,  and  soon  must  go  the  way  of  all  the  earth.  May 
his  last  days  be  calm  and  favored  with  the  light  of  the  Saviour's 
Ismiling  countenance,  as  the  youth  and  maturity  of  his  years  were 
aborious  and  successful  in  the  ministry  of  reconciliation. 


XXI.     ELDER  DANIEL  TINKHAM,  OF  WHITE  CREEK,  N.  Y. ' 

From  the  loHg  connection  of  this  aged  living  minister  with  the 
meetings  and  business  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  as  well  as  from 
his  continued  residence  and  labors  in  one  chtur-eh,  we  think  it  may  be 
appropriate  to  gratify  the  feelingsof  many  of  his  brethren  and  friends, 
by  inserting  the  following  tribute  to  his  memory  in  the  pages  of  this 
work. 

Elder  D.^niel  Tixkuam  was  born  April  30th,  lYSS,  in  Middlebor- 
ough,  Plymouth  eo.  Massachusetts.  While  yet  a  lad  his  father  re- 
moved into  the  town  of  Shaftsbury,  Vt.,  and  while  Elder  Blood  was 
in  the  vigor  of  his  usefulness,  as  Pastor  of  the  Fourth  church.  Under 
his  ministry  during  tlie  "  great  reformation,"  so  called  in  that  town, 
in  the  fall  of  1798,  he  was  brought  to  see  his  lost  condition  as  a  sin- 
ner before  God,  aud  fled  for  refuge  to  the  blood  of  the  Lord  Jesua 

^ lo  this  town  he  baptised  Ex-Governor  Biiggs  in  1810-11,  in  his  early  youth. 


356  SHAFTSBITRY   ASSOCIATIOIS'.  [afFENUIX', 

Clirist,  as  bis  justifying  righteousness  id  thf  sight  ©f  a  Jioly  Ood,  He 

was  baptised  on  a  cold  wirvter'a  day,  y^'iih  foriy-rlx  otbeys,  'hy  Elder 

Samuel  Rogers,  (then  of  Mapletown)  -who  assisted  Elder  Blood  i*i  tbe 

"  administration   of  the  ordinaiwe  of  tliat  oceasion.     Its  -v^'as   so   eold, 

that  Mb  clothes  froze  to  stiffiaas*  aSter  his  bapti'SK>,  "while  he  -walked 

'    50  rods  to  the  bouse  where  the  eaiiididates  exchaoged  t^eir  clathiug  ; 

;-  and  yet  he  neither  took  cold  as  he  relates,  nor  suffered  any  hani> 

'    for  his  obedience  to  the  Saviour's  oommand.     Hov  true  in  his  «ass- 

•"i  the  words  of  Leland : 

*  Christians- 1  if  youB  hearts  be  warisi^ 
"^  "  Ice  and  scow  c:ui  do  no  havra  i 

*"'"  "  If  by  Jesus  you  are  prized, 

*"  *  Ris*,  beKere,  and  bebaptissd." 

'  ■  This  was  in  the  sixteenth  year  of  his  age,  and  although  carTy  ex*r- 
^  cised  ODthe  dxaty  of  preaching,  he  shrunk  for  yesfra  feom  the  respoa- 
"  sible  work.  Thus  deferring  this  matter,  he  became  settled  in  life  and 
'  engaged  in  business  for  the  sustenance  of  his  growing  family,  ere  he 
yielded  and  "  became  obedient  to  the  heavenly  visiJoH"  which  said  to- 
j'  him,  '  Go  p^-eaeb  th«  preaehing^  I  bid  thseJ  Hia  opportuaitjes  had 
^  been  so  limited  that  he  greatly  felt  the  want  of  a  better  education, 
*  than  had  fallen  to  his  lot,  for  a  woi-k  so  arduous.  But  after  many 
"•  struggles  o-f  mind,  at  theurgeat  request  of  some  of  his  beetkrea  its 
'    the  church,  he  b^an' to  improve  his  gift  and  was  finally  Keensed  it> 

preach  the  gospel. 
®'       After  preaching  in  his  own  vicinity  for  some  time,  he  was  invited 
\    to  take  the  care  of  a  churcli  ia  West  Ciarendoa,  Rutland  co.,  Vt.  to> 
'■    which  place  he  removed  his  fj^raily  ia  the  year  1312.     He  was  called 
^    to  ordination  the  next    year,  and  on  the  9th  of  July,  1813,  he  was 
solemnly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  miaistry  amoug  this  people, 
where  he  spent  four  years,  with  but  iittle  appareat   sueeess   ia  the 
convei"sioR  of  sinners.  Ho<w  trying  to  the  faith  of  the  servaat  of  Chrisi 
is  such  a  period  of  fruitless  labor,  none  can  concesve  bat  him   who 
has  experienced  the  trial  IW  himself. 
.  1      At  the  invitation  of  the  Baptist  church  in  White  Creek,  Washing- 
ton CO.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  had  been  kaown  before,  he  removed  into  their 
9    Ticiaity  in  the  west  part  of  Shaft.<bury,  in  July  1816,  and  took  charge- 
Xi,    of  said  ehurehas  the  successor  of  Elder  Warren.     And  therefor  37 
•j,'  years,  with  the  exception  ot  one-or  Iswo-  brief  intervals,  he  has  served 
^t    his  brethren  as  their  spiritualguide  and  teacher  uutothk  day,  (1853) 
ei   having  been  greatly  useful  in,  his  ministry  among  them. 

Elder  Tinkham  has  enjoyed  several  revivals  of  roligioa  and  ^eers 
■T  privileged  to  baptise  hundreds  into  the  felLowship  of  this  church. 
.r,  Soon  after  his  removal  in  1816,  the  Lord  poured  out  his  Holy  Spirit 
e,,  upon  the  people,  and  so  blessed  his  labors,  that  in  June,  1811,  the 
5  church  reported  21  baptised,  amd  a  total  mooibersbip  of  llS.  This 
,.  work  continued  the  next  yeas  iu  ether  portions  of  the  society, 
.1,  which  spread  into  two  or  three  towns,  and  bo  large  was  the  bless- 
jj  ing,  that  49  were  baptised  during  the  year  ending  with  June,  1818. 
And  again  from  1821-4,  another  work  of  grace  was  enjoyed,  that 
lingered  from  ye<vr  to  year,  ami  s.pread'  into  vavii>us  parts  of  bis  so- 


i 


I 


SEC.  II. j  MINISTERS  :    D.  TINKHAM.  357 

ciety,  until  more  than  100  were  brought  into  the  church  by  baptism, 
making  a  total  of  199  members,  beside  the  diminution  of  years,  from 
xleatlis,  dismissions  and  exclusions  among  his  flock.  This  made  a 
nett  gain  of  ov«r  100  during  the  first  ten  years  of  his  pastorat«i  And 
still  mercy  drops  fell  ou  Zion'a  thirsty  Jiill  to  cheer  his  heai-t,  almost 
every  year  until  1828. 

But  a  peiiod  of  darkness  and  trial  succeeded,   and  in  1828  he  re- 
signed the  charge  of  the  church,  and  for  two  years,  he  was  absent, 
'  preaching  one  year  at  Shaftsbury  centre,  and  another  in  East  Ben- 
nington and  the  eastern  portion  of  White  Creek.     But  in    1830,   he 
.  resumed  his  labors  with  the  White  Creek  church,  and  removed,  in 
•  1831,  into  the  west  part  of  the  town  where  he  now  resides. 

Soon  the  clouds  of  mcrey  gathered  over  the  place,  and  a  blessing 
descended  upon   the  whole  town  ani  vicinity  in  copious  showers, 
making  the  waste  places  of  Zion  once  more  to  flourish.     From  May 
.  lo  September,  through  the  busy  season  of  the  year,  the  attention  of 
the  whole  community  was  arrested,  and  the  conversation  in  all  cir- 
cles  and  among   all  ages  when  they  met,   was  upon  the  subject  of 
religion   and  the  wonderful  doings  of  the  great  Redeemer  of  sinners. 
-This  was  an  old-fashioned  revival,   such  as  we  should  be  glad  to  wit- 
<  ness  again  in  our  day.    Save  a  four  days  meeting  in  the  month  of  May, 
there  was  little  preaching  except  the    two  regular  sermona  of  the 
•Lord's  Day  ;  but  conference  and  prayer  meetings  in  various  neigh- 
borhoods during  the  week,  with  inquiry  meetings  at  the  intermis' 
eion  of  the  Sabbath,  and  baptising,  were  the  chief  co-operative  agen- 
cies used  to  advance  the    work.     The  house  of  God  was  thronged 
■■■every  Lord's  Day,  and  with  solemn  attention  did  the  people  hear, 
■while  the  preacher  delivered  the  messages  of  grace,   as  a  dying  man 
to  dying  men.     This  was  indeed  a  good  work  of  grace,  and  before  it 
closed  fully  in  1832,  Elder  Tinkham  baptised  over  120  ou  the  pro- 
fession of  their  faith,  (most  of  them  during  the  year  1831.)  making  his 
church  256  iu  number.     It  was  the  greatest  harvest  of  souls  in  his 
whole  ministry.     And  we  might  here  remark  that  large  additions 
were  made  also  to  the  united  Presbyterian  church  of  Cambridge, 
and  to  the  Reformed  Dutch  church  at  Buskirk's  Bridge,  near  by. 

Again  during  the  early  months  of  the  year  1838,  he  was  favored 
'•with  an  increase  to  his  church,  as  the  result  of  a  protracted  meeting  ii) 
■'tw^hieh  he  was  aided  by  Elder  Solomon'  Gale,  and  some  other  minis* 
tering  brethren.'    He  baptised  about  80  as  the  fruits  of   this  effort. 

And  in  1843,  during  the  months  of  Febi'uary  aud  March,  he  was  as- 
sited  a  few  weeks  in  a  similar  effort  by  Elder  Isaac  Wescott,  thea  of 
Stillwater,  as  the  result  of  which  he  baptised  60  more  converts  ',  and 
yet  others  we  trust  w«re  savingly  benefitted,  that  did  not  come  out 
on  the  Lord's  side.  Siace  that  time  a  dearth  has  prevailed,  and  few 
have  been  baptised  ;  so  that  by  deaths,  removals,  exclusion s.and  the 
dismissal  of  members  to  form  the  two  new  churches  at  Cambridge 
and  West  Hoosiek  his  church  has  beconie  much  reduced. 
,  The  largest  number  it  ever  reported  to  the  association  was  280  in 
June  1838.  They  reported  25G  in  June  1843,  after  the  last  revival. 
The  present  number  iu  18.58,  is  about  70.     Arcnvding  to  the  best  esti- 

1  fi* 


858  SflAFTSBCRy   ASSOCIATiON.  [APPENDIX. 

m&ie  we  can  make,  he  has  baptised  in  th«  33  years  of  bis  actaal  min- 
istry among  ibis  people,  about  400  -who  )>ave  united  l?itJi  the  White 
Creek  church  under  his  care  .*  Besides  hs  must  have  baptised  many 
in  Benoington,  Hoosick,  and  other  places  where  he  has  performed  oc- 
casional service.  And  cluriog  bis  whole  miaistry,  his  memoranda  give 
about  525,  as  the  total  number  baptised  by  his  hands,  of  whom  seven 
have  become  ordained  ministers,  and  are  still,  eo  far  as  we  know, 
•landing  upon  the  towers  of  Zion, 

During  the  ministry  of  Elder  Tinkham  in  this  church  60  to  70 
have  united  by  letter,  while  about  250  have  been  dismissed  to  other 
churches, — some  60  have  been  excluded, — and  75  to  80  have  died  in 
fellowship,  according  to  their  printed  statistics.  From  these  ligures 
it  is  evident  that  Elder  Tinkham  has  been  a  recruiting  officer  for  Zjor, 
adding  moi-o  by  baptism  than  by  letter ; — and  dismissing  to  other, 
churches,  many  more  than  have  both  died  at^d  bee«  excluded. 

It  might  have  been  stated  that  for  two  years,  from  the  spring  of  1845, 
he  declined  serving  the  church  and  labored  elsewhere ;  but  at  the 
earnest  solicitations  of  his  brethren  he  returned  to  them,  and  has  serv- 
ed them  till  he  has  attained  his  seventieth  year,  in  April  piist.  And 
now  again  he  declined  the  charge  of  tiie  church,  while  he  goes 
tremblingly  down  the  declivity  of  life,  tliough  still  it  is  his  privilege  to 
preach  the  gospel  as  he  has  strength  and  opportunity.  He  has 
preached  more  funeral  discoui"se«,  probably  in  an  extensive  region  of 
country  around  him  embracing  five  or  six  towns,  than  any  other  min- 
ister of  equal  years,  and  has  married  a  proportionately  large  mnmber 
in  the  same  region.  Of  funeral  sermoos  his  memoranda  say  about 
1840  ;  and  of  marriages  about  500  couples.  Of  other  sermons,  we 
have  no  enumeration,  but  in  the  forty  years  of  his  ministry  since  he 
was  ordained,  they  cannot  have  been  less  tlian  five  or  six  thousand. 

Elder  Tinkham  has  shared  the  confidence  of  his  Brethren,  and  been 
honored  by  them  at  associations,  councils  and  ordinations,  as  Modera 
tor  or  preacher.  From  1817  to  1828  his  name  occurs  on  the  minutes 
as  a  member  of  the  Shaftsbury  association;  and  since  then  he  has  of- 
ten attended  their  meetings  and  mingled  in  their  business  and  devo- 
tions as  a  visitor.  But  in  1829  his  church  withdrew  from  the  body 
amidst  the  discussions  that  aro&e  in  regard  to  Masonry,  and  their  con- 
nection has  ever  since,  been  with  the  Bottskill  and  Washington 
Union  associations  ;  in  each  of  which  he  has  been  honored  as  preacher 
or  moderator  several  times. 

In  conclusion,  we  remark  that  his  ministry  has  been  somewhat 
remarkable  for  its  long  continuance  in  or  near  the  place  of  his  nativity, 
where  he  was  bred  in  youth,  converted,  b  iptised  and  commenced  his 
preaching   efforts.     How  few  have  equalled  him  for   solid  usefulness 

♦  It  has  been  his  delightful  privilege  to  bury  in  baptism,  among  othors,  his  coo- 
Bort  in  life,  and  sieo  out  of  seven  of  their  children,  beside  three  of  the  oompanioiis  of 
his  children  :  and  all  into  the  fellowship  of  the  White  Creek  church.  At  one  time 
he  gave  the  hand  of  fellowship  after  baptism — among  several  others,  to  his  wife,  two 
eons  and  a  daughter;  and,  it  was  truly  affecting,  when  he  came  to  the  wife  of  his 
youth  to  hear  Lira  address  her,  as  he  said  in  the  language  of  Solomon's  Songs  ,■  "itfy 
fiUer,  my  uponse ;  I  hid  you  a  he.irty  welcome  to  the  privileges  of  the  church."  j'(» 


.tSEC.  n.]  MINISTERS  :  D.  TINSHAM.  859 

amidst  so  many  disadvantages  and  embarrassments,  arising  from  the 
r^antof  early  culture  and  preparation  for  the  arduous  work  before  him. 

We  will  only  add  our  wish  that  the  evening  of  his  life  may  be  as 
■  quiet  and  happy  as  his  day  of  service  has  been  honorable  to  me  min- 
^Btry,  and  useful  to  Zion. 


Note — To  fill  a  page  that  woulH  otlierwise  be  nearly  a  blank,  the 
'compiler  would  here  insert  the  following  account  of  the  Manchester 
:  Baptist  association,  to  which  two  or  three  churches  united  for  a  few 
-years,  that  had  belonged  to  the  Shaftsbury  Body.  He  is  indebted,  to 
Elder  C.  M.  Fuller,  an  active  member  of  this  body  for  tlie  information, 
partly,  and  to  a  broken  file  of  the  minates  of  the  association  for  the 
;remainder. 

The  Manohestke  association  was  organized  in  Mancliester  Vt.,  in 
.Feb.,  1818,  where  also  it  held  its  first  session  in  the  month  of  Sept.  fol- 
lowing. Those  who  planned  this  organization  hoped  to  have  united 
all  the  churches  in  it  from  tha  Green  mountains  west  to  the  Hudson 
-River  from  Arlington  ancl  Salem  on  the  south,  to  Wallingford  and 
Whitehall  on  the  north.  It  was  thought  this  arrangment  would-better 
accommodate  the  churches  of  that  section,  without  any  detriment  to 
the  Shaftsbury  on  the  south,  the  Vermont  on  the  north,  and  th«  Sara- 
toga on  the  west,  as  then  located. 

At  their  first  meeting,  the  seven  churches  following  were  represent- 
jed,  viz  :  Arlington  having  about  60  members  ;  Manchester,  93 ;  Dorset, 
"iO;  Londonderry,  100;  Hebron,  60;  Rupert,  163;  and  Winhall,  30 
members.  The  Pawlet  church  united  at  the  next  seseioft  with  114 
members,  and  afterwards  the  Wallingford  chin-ch.  The  second  session 
was  held  at  West  Dorset  with  Elder  Fuller's  church  in  Sept,  1819, 
and  for  several  years  their  sessions  were  interesting  and  profitable  to 
i;he  brethren  and  churches;,  and  favored  wiih  the  presence  of  the 
Great  Head  of  the  churches.  But  the  formation  of  the  Washington 
association  in  1627 — with  other  causes,  finally  broke  them  up  about 
ihe  year  1829  or  30,  and  some  of  the  churches  have  become  extinct  also. 
The  principal  ministers  in  this  body  were  Elder  C.  M.  Fuller,  of  Dor- 
set ;  P.  W.  Reynolds,  of  Rupert ;  C.  Cbamterlain,  of  Manchester,  and 
I.  Beals,  of  Pawlet. 

There  was  never  more  than  8  churches  at  a  time  in  the  body,  with 
some  4  or  5  ministers,  and  from  475  to  680  members  in  all  the  church- 
es. In  1825,  they  reported  67  baptised  in  all  the  churches,  with  a 
total  of  632.  In  1827,  8  churches  and  574  members  in  the  whole 
body. 


360 


SHAFTSBUHY  ASSOCIATION, 


[appendix. 


Q 
W 

...  —  .■H 
■n.m  ZJ 

o 

Pi 

w 

;> 
w 

»uj     Pi 

W 
H 


> 

<! 

« 

W 

M 

(x 

(« 

>< 
W 

O 

M 

W 

W- 

^ 

w 

t) 

Pi 

^; 

W 

w 

w 

« 
o 

a 

H 

►J 

►J 
<1 

o 


o 

l-H 

o 
o 

w 

CO 


Pi 


o    u 


E5      ^ 

8  w 

O      P 


W 


rt  s 


^^H 


(^     K     (O 


«0  lO 
00  00 


;  O       ~ 


c«  ^ 


^     ,  Ol  o> 

la 

00  ;P  lo  «o 

Ir- 

^ 

rt 

«■     . 

,:i|. 

Sh 

•  >i 

00     ___«   oT 

1 

fe-5^  s 

hi 

,1)  ;5  ■*  o" 

^  "S  >-i 
p:;c^>-   .^ccTkj       -^^^o 

o  a;  i«  <!  .cs  ^  o  ^  aj  >H  ^  ^-^  So  ;^ 

S  ^-^  S  J-  ^-  §  3^  jj^  .5  ;5  ^  ^  c. 
^  .i  S  <5  ^  ^  ^^  -M  ®  o  ^  ^  ^ 

fe  jS  (5  Q  ^  (5  Q  5  r^  >H  5  Q  5  3 


0^C00t<MlO,u5C1030>.>#50eCOC00»WC0 


0<10Tt<Ot-OitCCT>    k^?01:-ooj:-00(MO>0 
oooooooooot-oot-  ooooooocooooooooo 


.-ioo<Mo3c»5»oint-r)<cce<ojoo5D.-i03e<5 

ir5TJ<0<M'-'Oi0505-*(M-— •00  00'— I— 'OJOi 

oooocooooojr-r-t-oooooooot-oooor-t- 


t>^ t>s  ■»'•''  i'lJO 


12; 


^ 


M*   P  "vU  3  .T3  .    o     3     3    <U    OI 

.2  "s  *  .S  61)=  §  'S.  ^-'T  a  ^  S  ^  :3 
2o!aH---Sni3n^'5«as<"a) 


dW 


g 

S  bog 


b 


« 


^S       ^'S  SS  3-5 

-     w  pq  O  >-"_3  '^ 

"S  W  '-"  1^"  """^     -  § 

W  cq  PQ  pq  pq  w  eq  m  ( 


a 


^-^  am 


ifPPQ 


s  s 
1^  a 
^< 

%^ 


SEC.  II.]  MINISTERS  :    STATISTICS.  861 


O  03 


uo 


''^^  a         ^-  «>  O 


a 


j{   _-  o   d     00        cS'r 


s        g|i>^"i-r^    ii  .sis  ill  1^ 


^;  C^CO  .0»— '00CO(M  lOC'J  0>050  OiOOC3  -r^.— lOS  ooco 

CC     ,    -  00  00  00  QD  (30  00  00  00  00         t- ■£-  00         r-OOOOOO  QU0Ot~-         oooo 

40  1-05  0  0^0  50.00  O00i^-K5Ol0r)<-<J)c00st0e000ClO>  t-OJ^n,— i^OO 

"05  OSO»C^COi-iOC51MCOCl'*lOlHOOOiCi0300ia5C3C3  -.^ooimcoco 

Ir-t-fOOOOOOOOt—  tX)0OO00O000Ot-£-£-t-0Or-£-0Ot—  OOOOc-OOOOOO 


c 


3  -* 


J3  -> 


^ 


•3  'S 


a 


--<  .  .  .-a  ,^  2  d^^vS!^^  i,-*^"^  OH-]  d  do  d  d  S 

t-,  a  as  a  M      ^ooooo   o     ■_     u 

PQ      MOOO   OOOOOO   O     O    O 


t>i  Ol 

o 

>  9 

3 

a 

C  OS 

.n 

o 

o 

p 

WJ 

s 

w 

03 

^^ 

O) 

"£ 

kT 

!^ 

»  l.- 

, 

<i 

a> 

a 

.U 

01 

g-a 

-^ 

gp 

"S 

r 

ooPfiOP 

362 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


.2      o 


O 


o         S 


a      ^ 


fl     r  cs 
M>  s 


30  ' 


o> 


^  t>-   CO 

^  !>  '-I 


t        • 

OS  ej 

-»'  <^^  ^ 

O  r-l    o 

-,«     .  .15 
o    ^    ^ 

W  ifi  -^ 

.   <0  i-l 
J5»  rH  00 


P3 

u 

a 


w 


£3  2 

<u    . 

*J  00 

f^  ^^ 

'^  TS  "d    feTJ 
<u   a)   O)   g   a) 

Q  Q  Q^Q 


^        CO 


.a  -< 

5   .2 


^^ 

CD  _, 

CO   OS 
00   --i 


0)  a 

-T3   CI 


■—«  CO 

■?  ^ 

■s  :> 


i-iOJCMr-lOM<N(M.-ir-iOOt-.-i-<*<--ii-i      t-      O00<MCl      <» 


DOOO         UOOOOOOOOO  0000         t- 


03»-iCO>OlOOVO-^ 
0-^00000(M(M 

oooooooooot-oooo 


ooo5(?Jcooeooooj^-coeo-*to-*aDt-ioooeo(MOOCsoo-*oO'<!f<f-« 

i-(ci<;4  0oeoeoOi-icoc>ocoo30'-ioci'»j<coO'-ia2050»ooc<i£»5 

aoooooooooooooooaooooot:-ooa3t-oooot-ooooQOool:-J^-I^-ir-oooo 


sra 


>;2    * 

'S  c>  ^-  2 


be 

^   1-1 


>    -a 


•i  2-s  S 


j3  o  ^  .ti 


w  « 


13  2  m  ^o  ^ 
^  «a  --  -^  S  -« 


l>  fl-  CB  — ■ — to  »ai  CS  t>  "^ 


W  d  d   - 


^  ^  o  ^ 
^^__  <u  H  pq  o 
9"^  da" 

„   c4  a>  0) 

O    O    ki    ki    u 

O  O  O  O  O 


^1 


SEC.  II.]  '        MINISTERS  *.   STATISTICS.  S63 


i*^  W  -*  t*  _M  t 


S  ^  (5  jg       O  Q  Ig  Q       ^  jg  Q  Q  ^  Q-     QQ      >  5       S  Q  Q  S  !2: 


•^in  to  W  r-i  C»  09  o 

M<  ir- 

" 

o 

*"* 

Oi      05 

'"' 

»0   50  «■•< 

Oi  la  eo  i-H  Tj< 

0»t-  tH    C-I  (M  t- 

»r<  e*  CO   o  -"  c» 
00  00  C»    00  00  00 

C  CO 
CO  C-J 

00  00 

CM 

o 

00 

ei  <M  oo 

•-<  CO  -^ 

00  00  00 

(M  '^  CI  (M  »0 

CI  CO  O  —  CI 

00  00  00  00  &0 

c»  lO  r-1  OS  '■■' 
co  o  ■*  o>  -i^ 

-enn  ei  <M  oo  1-1  o  00 

lO.-HeicocoOi-i'-i 
ooooooaot-oooDCC 

■*  00  o 
C-)  CI  o 

00 

CO  r»< 

—1  o»  ^ 

o 

00 

O  CO  i—  »■<  lO 
(71  C)  Oa  ,-1  oo 
00  00  t-  CO  r- 

O  t-  ir-  —  rH^O 
CO  cs  CO  CI  .-i.io 
oo  £-  00  t-  QQ  oo 

t-  00 

OO  00  oo 

sOh  b.s  g-S  =  ?.ei^   .t;,^^'3  5-^  s  i  s  5  o-^  ^  I.Sii.f.S 
"g  o  -M  —  C-]  —  ...  —  — "-^c/;  ai  .-<  a;  ixi*^' — ^<1  ^^^^~>^  —  ^^ — ■'^'^c?  -^  ;/;  M  c< 


OciWWWWWWW     WWWWWW     WW     WWW         WWt^Hjh:; 


SG4 


SHAFTSBURV   ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


a 

a5  S       ^Ix 

O 

1^ 

ci 

<u 

-  a       S  sf 

P. 

o 

^:2    §'3 

a 

O 

a 

co" 
c- 

0) 

CQ 

.  JS    „•    03    O 

03 

fee 

IB 

1 

ton,  Sep 
W.Roy 
0,  lUino 
847,  Le 
850,  Fre 

o 

C5 

"o 

at  Hamil 
pastor  at 
in  Chicag 
Oct.  25,  1 
Aug.  4,  I 

bo 

is 

o 

TS 

o 

.2  o  0.2.2 

dJ 

m 

ta 

PSSfenQQ 

sc 


00    c! 
"^    S 

'C  I-H   "^ 

CO  cj-S    . 

_o  ^  CO  — I 
g   o   g  S 

CO     ^-StiT 

—  (^^  pq  • 
^  II  ^  es 
2"^    03  1-5 

>g      QO 

Tj<       CO  i—  r 


^ 


Q     !» 


^ 


OS      lO  Hn<N  CO  »     l.-- 
—  (M 


Osr-OOr-'rHt-'-l.tDeo        in  00 
co-^T-icc-ii"—  —  e^c^o       oo 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCO  0000 


05<NCOCOOtJ<*<0>0 

r-oooooooocooojr-oo 


en  o  o  •* 
■ri  oti  CJ  <=) 

30  00  CO  00 


■^lOeOmOCsOOei.— lri<OC^00i— ICOM*^"- '»:J<00i-<O5 
C^Tj<C3CO'»l<0'OC->C^OOOC3005C<C>>COOs00050i 

oooooooooooooooooocooOGOt-oor-ooooooir-ooooc-t- 


.  a  t.  I- 


ai   es  CO 


..^  J3   o   o 
„  O)    wi    a!  hi  ~ 


to.  OJ    ?ri  H    fl    fen  *^^  .^  .£3  ^    to 


-)-j  a  W  pa  :u  • 


o  -^  '^  S  ^ 
W  CO  C'l  oj  W  W  <!  CO  '■^^ — — ' — ' 


.2      '^ 


2   u) 

52  J   J.  ^ 


FU 


W  d 


„- 1-.' 


cj    C 


O  o  ^1g 


(3  •— '    t^    O)    O  r--  S    ^"^    , 

o3       a  o  a  n  x3  D       a 


Qj    OJ    O)  ."t^    c3    rt    rt    c3    rf 

v^  h:i  K^  f-?  s  ;^  ^  s  ;^ 


«EC. 

II.] 

MINISTERS 

:   STATISTICS. 

365 

o 

O                00 

i.O 

<::^ 

.*!»  uv 

t- 

<£               O 

t- 

00 

o> 

■<3«r- 

^ 

co  o 

« 

a 

.9  S 

12? 

O 

■^'" 
O 
oo 

go  3 
SeoOO 

00  -3  ■-' 

'^-  g  b 

CI   »-   5 

.   *   - 

i. 

o  ^     . 
00    o^ 

a  4^"^ 

III 

i 

C3 

1 

r-l 

"a 

•-5 

60 

a 
<]» 
o 

§ 

a 

S 

!^ 

1 

Ph 

fl 
o 

5 

CO* 
oo 

o 

.00  o, 
--•i^    o!    cj 

.3  oj  C^-:3 

s 

.s 

(5 

13 

a;     K     q;  ^ 

111 

s 

(5 

-s  -a  CO 

a,    OJ  iQ 

o 

12; 

^ 
^ 

o 

la 

>-<  — 

1-1  N 

•* 

^     T^          —. 

CO  »o  ■* 

^H 

OS  t-  rjl 

C»  Oi     »o 

o 

>a 

o 

d 

c» 

^ 

CO 

CI 

^ 

00 

.-H 

— . — > 

lO 

CO 

O    r- 

CO  O   lO   CO 

to  —  o 

«o 

c5'*'t--rt<T)<a5-«-*t- 

Oi 

_ 

o 

•:: 

a> 

o 

O  O  C2  =J 

05    CO    CI 

c» 

m  -f 

—  CO 

0  050^ 

C3 

o 

^ftj 

i- 

00 

r-  oc 

00   00  1—  00 

t-   Xi   00 

00 

00  00 

00  CO 

00  t-  00  oo 

1— 

00 

oo 

' " 

05  lO 

O  (M 

«oooa5Cl-^r--*t-t-.c»osi:-<N 

^  _, 

00  -^   CI  CC 

CO 

lO 

o 

»oo  c> 

.^  00 

■*  O 

00  c: 

C5  O  C-.  o: 

Ol  Oi  — ■ 

=5    i-l 

CI  ^ 

r-l    O 

O  QO  O  ^ 

00 

o 

CO 

C4 

CO  CO 

00  t-  00  oc 

r-  oc 

ir-  oo  jr-  £.-  r-  t~  00 

00  00 

oc  QO 

00  00 

00  t-  00  00  t-  OS 

00 

00 

00  00 

^  p 


■£ 

.  "^ 


-      -.  _  ^  ea — ■ — C  a  — -^Iz;  r/;  eg  " ' S  —  O  —  rp  — . — g,  S  <1  ^ ■" — ' 


—    =5  •   "        .3 


SSSS;zi    ^';^^    ^ooph       a, pL, pu, £l, ph PL,     cSp^p^p^,^ 


.366  SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


t>i  or  ^ 

•  a  '^ 


1.11^" 1 1  I  l§"i   :i      III      l^!l|fS  I 

■OO     o     .-H^     CO     cocoas       ir-       i-ii-H»o''j<eoi-i     to     >-<r-4     co        (H 


1^       >"' 


t      ^ 


^  -a 


O  CO  >o  •-I 
M  O  05  O 
30   00  t-  QO 


10   t-    T(<    Tf    C2    •* 

.^ 

05  to  1:^ 

•*  i- 

»J  <M  ■*  c;  —  i3> 

,—1 

TJH     —     0 

0  0 

fiO  GO  CO  00   CC  £- 

C30 

DO   40   00 

<»  ao 

COr><.—  lr.t-00<NCOO5«0'^i-c         0i"<i<Q0«5CC»OOCJ>0r-i«3O>0C*O 
-^C5C305C«3(MOJCJCOO'— 1C3  OJOJCOTf  —  OCOOO-^rj-ClC-lOJOS 

cot-i^-t-oooooooococoooir-       r-jr-ooQOooccooooaooooooooooooo 


r^    S 


,■<<!«  t-ioT^-ia  bo's 
1-1       .-Hi-i-— •T'-nH 


,  0 

iU    tc  ^ 

* 

^  •r'    & 
.J       III 

a 

l^g-ali 

"rt 

-*-i  S-S 

s-a  2  ■ 


CL,  W  '^'^0^  .-,  — "-^co  OS  W  "-^ ^  S  c>i  ^  c-1  >  -''' — O  S  ^— .^-^ — 


S^-S      gag     -li-aS  a^^^S      S         -g""!      S 

3?K!P«     <Amm     01000503        oimmm^^m     Knxnm     H 


I 


'SEC.  n.] 


•^'^'    MINISTERS  :   STATISTICS, 


367 


o     o 


2^ 


2        ^ 


o  o  c     • 

-^  00   >->       c   ^D 

""  ^  .2  "^  .H  .2 
^       Q       Q  Q 


.2      >^jf 


OB, 

.    cS 


^ 


CO  »-»  -«^       (M 


•-I       Ol  (M 


^■3  5tz; 

a;  1)  ^  P 

lO  ^  rji 


^ 


a  » 

•iic« 

di^ 

o 

O  |o 

n<1 

o  a,  . 

Si 

O 
CO 

.Ht3 

^ 

SI 

CI 

05 

^■^ 

> 

II<>^ 

fe>; 

!^ 

-a 

S  g 

o 
o 

(5 

lO         I-H    ,-1 


OCO  ^(M  —  O  O500W 

0000  OOOOOOOO  Jr-C-OO 


«D  e»  .-'  to 

—  O  r-i  ,-1 
00  00  OO  00 


oo-jeit-ooc»ot-.-i       05.-itJ< 

OOCOC^i— iChO<>)>-<05  qoooco 

t-CBoooooooocraooi:-       t-c-oo 


00I-1.-1O)  —  .-•OiO— l-HOO  05O5(M(M 

i—  OOQDCOCOCOt-QOOOOOC-  t-£-Q00O 


■5,-0  u  5^ 


o    . 


p 


;^ 


«*  0.2  a 

efl  fc^  kC  ^   o   ^ 

EhEhHH 


"o     S-2  2 


s^ 


^       ^g-Qflfi^C^ 


868 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


i* 

k. 

o 

4j 

ta 

&. 

fc^TS 

0)    k. 

a 

"-  .5 

Bi 

o 

-f^ 

V 

c4    o 

u 

^O 

s>^ 
^  ^ 

i 

a 
o 

0) 

CO 

at^ 

"o  2  -S 

^-^ 
^  ►< 

eg  Oi  >o 

Tl 

eg 
So 

O    3    M 

^    M  c5 

<U 

0)    o 

43  -" 

^ 

2 

a 

*=  *J 

e: 

c 

o 

CD 

«  a 

o 
0-, 

(25 

-H          ■* 

-^ 

^ 

s-'        Jt~ 

fri 

(M 

-• 

r-i 

o 

c»  ei  ■<*< 

^ 

,-1  ■>» 

ITJ 

lO 

<r> 

OO  00 

30 

CJO 

'^ 

—  ^ 

'"' 

"^ 

■yi   CO 

r- 

I— 

(M 

>0  05  o 

CO 

o 

-i<    — . 

(>» 

^: 

CO  o  <^^ 

rx 

tr> 

XI  CO 

00 

00 

00 

00  00  00 

00 

00 

£5  5 


C    r-    ^    ^C   ai 
S   tf    C    «^ 


O  as 

C  S 


my  tjw  uw  ^^-/  Q 


»;! 


:;:  a     r:  2  rs  .*j      o  'S 


i.H 


■■3  3 
2=^ 


sec.  11.3 


MISSIONARIES  :   STATISTICS. 


369 


TABLE  OF  THOSE  MINISTERS  WHO  DID  MISSIONARY  SERVICE 
FOR  THE  ASSOCIATION. 


Names. 


1^ 

o 
Wheee  they  labored  mostly.      2 


AMT. 
OF 
PAY. 


Caleb  Blood, 

Lemuel  Covell, 

Ol)ed  Warren, 
Hezekiah  Gorton, 

L.  Covell,  again, 

Jonathan  Finch, 

Jonathan  Finch, 
Lemuel  Covell, 

J.  Finch, 

Ashel  Morse, 

J.  Finch,  again. 

C.  Chamberlain 
Nath'l.  Kendrick, 

N.  Kendrick, 
J.  Finch,  again. 
Cyrus  Andrews, 
George  Witherell, 

Daniel  Hascall, 
Ebenezer  Smith, 
Daniel  Hascall, 
Cyrus  Andrews, 
Cyrus  Andrews, 

Joseph  Cornell, 
Jacob  St.  John, 
Wm.  Throop, 
N.  H.  Ripley, 
Joseph  Cornell, 

Stephen  Olmsted, 
Br.  Peter  Brown. 


1802  In  N.  Y.,  from  Cayuga  Lake  to  the 

head  of  Ontario.  2^ 

1803  In  Western,  N  Y.,and  Upper  Can- 

ada to  Long  Point.  4 

do    Mostly  in  company  with  Eld.  C.      3 

1804  In    Upper   Canada,   to  Charlotte- 

ville.  3 

1805  To  U.  Canada  and  the  Tuscarora 

Indians.  6 

do    On  Lake  Cham  plain,  in  Vermont, 
and  N.  Eastern  N.  Y.  3 

1806  On  the  same  route  again.  3 
do    To  U.  Canada  and  the  Tuscarora 

Indians, — his  last  tour.  3 

1807  In  the  regions  about  Lake  Cham- 

plain  and  in  Lower  Canada.  3 

do    In  Western  N.  Y.,  to  Long  Point 

in  Upper  Canada.  3^ 

1808  In  Northern  N.  Y.  and  into  Lower 

Canada.  3 

do  do    and  in  company  somewhat  3 

do    In  Western  N.  Y.  and  into  Upper 

Canada.  3 

1809  In  same  region  as  year  before.         3 
do    In  Northern  N.  Y.  and  L.  Canada.    I 

1810  N.  Y.  and  Lower  Canada.  2 
do    Into   Western  N,  Y.    and    Upper 

Canada.  3 

do    Same  route,  and  in  company.  3 

do    To  aid  him  in  a  tour  Westward. 

1811  Into  Northern  N.  Y.  Ac, 
do    Western  N.  Y.  and  Upper  Canada 

1812  In  the  Holland  Purchase,  in  West- 

ern N.  Y. 

do    To  travel  and  preach  at  discretion.  I 
do  do  do  2 

do  do  do  2 

1813  Into  Northern  Pennsylvania,  3 
do    In  the  State  of  New- York,  at  his 

discretion.  3 

1814  Into  Canada.  3 
do  ITo  accompany  Elder  0.  in  his  tour. 


$30  00 


50 
50 

51 

100 

50 
53 

50 

60 

70 

60 
60 

60 
60 
20 
40 

60 
60 
20 
40 
120 


00 
00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 
00 

00 
00 
00 

00 

00 
00 
00 
00 
00 


60  00 


10  00 


870 


SlIAFTBBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


at^^v: 


Missionary  Table— continued. 


IkT 


Charles  Lahatt, 
J.  Oornell, 


18Iii 
do 


Not  designated;  but  brought  good 
returns  of  21  baptised,  aud  a  de- 
sire for  the  Gospel. 


From  1817  onward,  there  is  no  record  made  in  the  minutes  of  the 
missionary  appointments,  although  the  Board  of  the  Society  held  its 
meetings,  and  reported  the  state  of  its  funds.  Their  monies  now,  in 
part,  at  least,  were  sent  to  the  Bap.  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  ;  and 
to  some  other  organization,  we  presume,  ultimately  lor  domestic  mis- 
siona. 


,noJioO  cfaiiEdssl 


SECTION  iir.|  -  °'^^'''"' 

)8l|     idonf5  or 


STATISTICS  OF  THE  CHURCHES  OF  THE  SHAFTSBURY 
ASSOGIAT[ON. 


As  before  promised  we  come  now  to  the  task  of  presenting  a  series 
of  Tables  that  will  pxhibit  the  statistics  of  each  church  by  themselves, 
during  the  whole  period  of  its  connection  with  the  Shaftsbury,  aud 
the  other  Associations  that  have  i^prung  out  of  that  body  chiefly. 
We  design  also,  as  a  matter  of  gratification  to  many  interested  in  our 
work,  though  at  an  additional  expense,  to  give  the  statistics  of  these 
younger  churches  in  the  sisterhood,  that  have  branched  oflf  from  the 
original  Shaftsbury  churches.  We  give  the  churches  nearly  in  alpha- 
betical order,distinguishing  those  that  have  ever  been  in  the  Shaftsbury 
body  by  large  CAPITALS  while  the  branch  churches  are  in  ITALIC 
letter,  following  however  in  general,  the  mother  churches  in  the  order  of  , 
our  arraugment.  We  give  the  date  of  constitution,  and  from  year  to  ' 
year  the  names  of  Pastors  and  other  ministers  in  the  church;  with  the 
changes,  as  given  in  the  printed  minutes  ;  and  the  amount  of  mony  for 
Benevolent  purposes  so  iar  as  reported  to  us.  la  this  matter,  ik 
should  be  stated  that  many  of  the  churches  have  not  done  themselves 
justice  by  their  returns  to  the  associations, but  have  reported  nothing 
sometimes,  or  only  in  part  their  benevolent  contributions.  The  addi- 
tions by  Baptism  are  not  distinguished,  it  will  be  remembered,  from 
those  by  letter  in  the  Shaftsbury  minutes  till  1818,  and  in  the  Sara- 
toga till  1815,  The  additions  by  experience  and  by  restoration  are 
put  into  the  same  column  to  save  room,  as  there  are  but  few  of  them 
in  all.  When  a  minister  was  absent  frop|  the  meeting  of  the  associa- ^ 
tion,  his  name  is  ii,arked  thus,* — with  a  star.  The  names  of  Liccn]. 
tiates  are  in  Italics. 


SEC.  111.} 


churches:  statistics. 


371 


ADAMS,  (Nobtb)  chdrch,  Mass.,  constituted  a.  d,  18GS. 


1 

Bap- 

CO 

Eo 

Cft 

c 

p-j 

o 

--i 

MON  fE.S- 

A.  D. 

Pastors  (fe  Ministebs. 

?3 

o 

X 
Q 

> 

FOB 
BENEV'r. 

1809 

GeOBUE    WlTnERELl, 

41 

10 

Gr,  "WlTUEr.EI,L, 

17 

56 

11 

&.   WllHEftEU., 

2 

68 

$5    32 

12 

&.  WiTHEHELL, 

2 

I 

2 

57 

13 

,  No  report. 

57 

U 

,  No  pastor. 

6 

2 

1 

2 

58 

15 

,  Ko  pastor, 

8 

1 

1 

31 

16 

Elijah  P.  Willbt, 

3 

1 

2 

61 

U  25 

17 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

56 

7  26 

18 

Hosea  WUeehr, 

1 

57 

15  85 

i9 

,  No  pastor. 

32 

1 

1 

87 

9  76 

1820 

,  No  pastor. 

37 

1 

] 

1 

126 

30  50 

21 

Sanrnel  Savori/, 

3 

2 

1 

4 

2 

123 

22 

Samuel  SAVOiiY, 

I 

3 

) 

120 

23 

d.  Savory, 

2 

1 

7 

8 

104 

24 

S.  Savorv, 

13 

1 

1 

3 

112 

26 

S.  Sayoiiy, 

2 

2 

1 

100 

26 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

1 

104 

27 

,  No  minutes  tliis  year. 

28 

do. 

29 

Charles  B.  Keyes, 

3 

1 

3 

1 

99 

$3  Z9 

1830 

C.  B,  Keyes, 

6 

4 

4 

4 

6 

1 

101 

7  00 

31 

0.  B.  Keye&, 

1© 

1 

5 

2 

1 

111 

2  06 

32 

O.B.  Keyes, 

10 

2 

2 

J 

112 

20  25 

33 

C.  B.  Keyes, 

3 

3 

3 

4 

1 

110 

17  00 

34 

0.  B.  Keyes,  A.  H.  Palmeb, 

6 

8 

8 

3 

2 

110 

35 

A.  H.  Palmer, 

43 

10 

1    6 

4 

1 

154 

13  50 

36 

Lemuel  Covell, 

15 

U 

3 

2 

153 

23  2* 

37 

L.  Covell, 

13 

11 

3 

18 

4 

4 

144 

3S 

Thomas  S.  Rogers, 

5 

11 

8 

) 

160 

34  26 

39 

r.  S.  Kogers,* 

15 

7 

3 

8 

9 

4 

5 

150 

23'  07 

1840 

John  Alden,  jr. 

2 

8 

7 

148 

25  00 

41 

J.  Aluen,  jr. 

5 

6 

7 

4 

152 

94  90 

42 

J.  Alden,  jr. 

29 

16 

12 

6 

4 

173 

126  46 

43 

J.  Alden,  jr. 

76 

7 

10 

2 

2 

245 

38  50 

44 

J.  Alden,  jr. 

5 

22 

1 

3 

4 

258 

236  40 

45 

J.  Alden,  jr. 

26 

14 

7 

8 

253 

268  22 

4(> 

aoBACE  T.  Lovr, 

5 

19 

) 

11 

3 

6 

274 

303  17 

47 

H.  T.  Love, 

2 

17 

1 

14 

3 

4 

28? 

394  00 

48 

tL  T.  Love, 

5 

24 

7 

14 

6 

7 

29S 

336  27 

49 

E.  T   Lote, 

8 

2 

11 

1 

3 

281 

98  25 

1850 

a.  T.  Love, 

126 

18 

- 

5 

20 

8 

387 

785  00 

,61 

a.  T.  Lote, 

6  18 

20 

8 

4 

377 

677  66 

62 

,  No  paBtor. 

2    7 

16 

8 

7 

367 

377  60 

372 


SHAFTSBURV  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


ALBANY,  (First)  Church, 

CONSTITUTED 

A. 

D.  181L'- 

. 

_ 

Bap 

tiz'd 

CO 

;c 

O 

a  ra 

O 

H 

Monies 

A.D 

Pastors  <fe  MiNisTKas. 

r 

P3 

B 

•^ 

o 

o 

FOR 

H 

a' 

a 

o" 

a 

c 

Benkv. 

1811 

Francis  Watland, 

67 

12 

Isaac  Webb, 

11 

1 

3 

1 

73 

$7  83 

13 

I.  Webb, 

16 

3 

7 

1 

•78 

U 

I.  Webb,* 

4 

1 

3 

1 

77 

15 

I.  Webb, 

8 

."5 

1 

79 

2  00 

16 

r.  Webb, 

27 

12 

3 

2 

00 

20  00 

17 

,  No  report. 

18 

,  No  report, 

19 

John  Fjnlay,  (united  vritli 

185 

1820 

J.  FiNLAv,  [Hudson  River.) 

18 

9 

9 

7 

190 

17  5T 

21 
22 

,  No  pastor, 

Lewis  Leonard, 

2 

7 
11 

la 

20 

3 

1 

163 

12 

4 

5 

4 

180 

23 

L.  Leonard, 

30 

21 

S 

4 

4 

218 

24 

L.  Leonard, 

16 

7 

2 

8 

3 

233 

25 

L.  Leonard, 

6 

9 

1 

12 

7 

7 

223 

26 

L.  Leonard, 

5 

6 

10 

9 

4 

211 

24  88 

27  1 ,  No  pastor. 

2 

6 

16 

4 

2 

197 

28 

Bartholomew  T.  Welch, 

1220 

2 

7 

4 

2 

215 

29 

B.  T.  Welch, 

17 

14 

J 

9 

2 

4 

232 

?67  00 

1830 

B.  T.  Welch, 

29 

9 

3 

15 

4 

3 

252 

72  19 

31 

B.  T.  Welch, 

30 

11 

3 

11 

3 

3 

273 

96  00 

32 

B.  T.  Welch, 

33 

22 

1 

13 

2 

5 

306 

500  00 

33 

B.  T.  Welch, 

25J26 

2 

15 

2 

14 

321 

1600  00 

34 

B.  T.  Welch, 

24  22 

2 

27 

U 

4 

327 

1400  00 

35 

George  B.  Ide, 

132  23 

148 

7 

320 

100  00 

36 
87 

Alanson  L.  C ovell, 
A..  L.  Covell,* 

CkA   01 

o 

84 
44 

8 
5 

4 
6 

361 
344 

55  00 
60  00 

04 

25 

13 

^ 

38 

,  No  pastor, 

23 

10 

32 

5 

4 

336 

16  25 

39 

James  L.  Hodge, 

9 

17 

1 

17 

2 

6 

385 

914  50 

840 

J.  L.  Hodge, 

187 

•20 

7 

34 

3 

3 

600 

130  00 

41 

•J.  L.  Hodge,  J.  Walker, 

10 

27 

1 

23 

10 

3 

501 

521  00 

42 

,  James  Walrer, 

31 

20 

2 

27 

2 

19 

8 

498 

244  00 

43 

J.  M.  COLEV, 

315 

32 

10 

119 

10 

5 

724 

504  00 

44 

J.  M.  COLET, 

10 

S 

70 

13 

9 

619 

43  69 

45 

Asa  BaoN.soN, 

J 

21 

4 

103 

13 

24 

6 

494 

176  41 

46 

Wm.  S.  Clapp, 

■2,3 

J 

36 

22 

7 

9 

444 

not  given 

47 

Wm.  S.  Clapp, 

1 

20 

1 

32 

10 

17 

1 

403 

" 

48 

Wm.  S.  Clapp, 

3 

U 

3 

10 

6 

7 

3 

400 

" 

49 

•,  No  pastor. 

14 

19 

4 

38 

2 

390 

" 

850 

Reuben  Jeffery, 

9 

24 

S 

6  3') 

7 

5 

873 

« 

51 

R.  Jeffery,  J.  W.  Greeee, 

5 

24 

1 

1( 

25 

8    7 

354 

1000  00 

52 

R.  Jeffery,  J.  W.    Greene, 

79 

67 

b 

1] 

1 

7    8 

481 

not  given 

53 

R.  Jeffery,     [Jas.  Walker, 

It 

20 

1 

C 

5    5    502| 

661  00 

~~^r---_.^-  -■....'.                  "-.           .    -.       \-              :  • 

SEC, 


II.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


373 


ALBANY,    (Hamilton  Street)  church,  constituted 
IN  1821. 


27 
28 
29 

1830 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

1840 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1850 
61 
52 
5S 


Pastors  and  Minibters. 


1821  Nathanikl  Paul,    - 

22  N.  Paul, 

23  N".  Paui^ 

24  N.  Paul, 

25  jS".  Paul, 

26  N.  Paul, 

N".  PAULr 

N.  Paul, 

N.  Paul, 

^.  Paul, 

Calvin  C.  Williams, 

Samuel  Treadwell, 

S.  Teeadwell, 

Thomas  Ritchie, 


Bap- 

tiz'd 


N.  Paul,  (again)        .  j. 
N".  Paul  *  No  leport,"^ 
J.  T,  Raymond, 
J.  T.  Raymond, 


I    \i 


J.  H.  lownsend, 

,  No  report, 

W.  B.  Serrington, 
W.  B.  Serrington, 

,  No  rfeport, 

J.  N.  T.  Tucker, 
Joel  N.  Atkins, 
J.  N.  Atkins, 
•,  No  report. 


51 


21 


on  I  r; 


7    4 


14 

.7 
I  1 
41  6 
3 


12 

29 

32 

32 

36 

44 

53 

48 

75 

79 

143 

157 

137 

13 

127 

129 

123 

128 

71 

129 

117 

lis 

1 25 

104 
104 

88 
G7 
60 
60 
65 
51 
45 
45 


Beneto--' 

LENT 
MoNIKR  — 


$11   00 
5  62 

14  50 
7  00 

5  00 
10  00 

15  00 

6  00 
5  00 

5  00 

17  00 


3„00. 

6  00.' 

4  CO" 


ALBANY,  (South  Pearl  Street,)  church,  constituted 
in  1848. 


1850|Wm.    G.    Howard,    JamebI 

I     Walker,  82 

51jWm.    G.    Howard,    James' 
Walker,.       [Sept.  1581.| 
This  church    disbanded   inj 

'        It 


18 


4)  5    169 


!    1 


164 


374 


SHAFTSBUHY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix- 


ALBANY,    (Peakl    Street,)   church,    constituted  in 
1834.  -'' 


1835 


Pastoes  and  Ministers. 


»  Bartholomew   T.    Welch, 
D.  D. 
36  B.  T.  Welch, 
37, B.  T.  Welch, 

38  B.  T.  Welch, 

39  B.  T.  Welch, 
1840  B.  T.  Welch, 

41  B.  T.  Welch, 

42  B.  T.  Welch, 

43  B.  T.  Welch, 

44  B.  T.  Welch, 

45  B.  T.  Welch, 
46B.  T.  Welch, 
47  B.  T.  Welch,«- 
48:B.  T.  Welch, 
49  LuTHEii  F.  Beecher,* 

1850! L.  F.  Beecher, 
61  |L.  F.  Beecher, 
52jL.  F.  Beecher 
bZ\h.  F.  Bkechkr, 


Bap- 
tiz'd 


15 

9 

12 

15 

6 

194 

'  7 

3 

222 

3 

1 

1 

4 

11 

4 

3 

49 

7 


t-l 

7i 

So 

o 

o 

a 

16 

5 

20 

10 

15 

11 

17 

12 

21 

12 

15 

1 

15 

19 

1 

•24 

12 

1 

21 

18 

3 

19 

7 

31 

o 

21 

26 

21 

15 

42 

26 

12 

20 

15 

14 

13 

24 

28 

16 

10 

9 

1 

28 

29 

2 

13 

13 

2 

16 

1 

10 


148 
1S9 
173 
191 

3  202 
388 
378 
356 
563 
581 
578 
546 
532 
539 
527 
520 
500 
5(i] 
564 


Benev. 

MoNIE» 


$100  00 

1250  00 

150  00 

150  00 

150  00 
7150  00 

23G  87 

331  00 
2110  00 
4922  38 

220  00 

no  00 

100  00 

52  00 

23000  00 
2595  Oq 
6005  Oq 


ALBANY,  (South)  church, 

const'd 

IN 

1842 

.       , 

1843 

Stephen  Wilkins, 

248 

101 

2 

7 

3 

1 

340 

U 1 5  06 

44 

S.  WiLKiNs,  Jas.  Walker, 

37 

37 

2 

18 

1 

26 

371 

6000  00 

45 

S.  WiLKiNS,  J.  Walker, 

95 

41 

5 

18 

29 

5 

460 

262  25 

46 

S.  WiLKiNS,  J.  Walker, 

6 

19 

1 

22 

8 

5 

451 

41  30 

47 

S.  WiLKiNS,  J.  Walker, 

1 

If: 

1 

21) 

12 

28 

3 

410 

61  42 

48 

S.  WiLKiNs,*  J.  Walker, 

4 

1 

2 

41 

14 

1367 

49 

Wm.  C.  Wines, 

28 

17 

178 

4 

1 

4il77 

1850 

A.  Kingsbury, 

12 

15 

11 

24 

3 

3(168 

37  26 

61 

E.  L.  Bailey, 

1 

2 

12 

3 

2!149 

27  00 

52 

W.  W.  Moore,* 

26 

43 

0 

4 

3  210 

32  50 

53IL.  L.SriLL, 

3 

2 

20 

16 

23 

4  162 

59-56 

NEWTONVILLE,  church,  const'd  in  1849. 


1849 

50 
51 
55 
53 


R.  M.  S.  Pease, 
R.  M.  S.  Pease, 
John  Reynolds, 
John  Reynolds, 
John  Reynolds, 


30  3000  09 


VI 


SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


S75 


ALBANY,  (State  Street)  church,  const'd  in  jan.  1846. 


A.  J). 

PaSTOES  and  MlNISTEBS. 

Bap 

tiz'd 

H 

an 

O 

P3   D 

g^     Monies 

^             FOR 

P3 

O 

» 

»■ 

»l 

"^    1  Bknev. 

1846 

Jacob  Knapp, 

136 

41 

.'i 

1 

191i 

4:'i 

,  Charles  Ferguson, 

25 

13 

1 

29 

6    1 

194^560  00 

48 

E.  R.  Warren, 

24 

17 

IS 

27 

15 

1 

195 

2  68 

4y 

1850 

C.  Ferguson, 

W,    W.   MooRK,  C.    Fergu- 

24 

22 

2 

32 

« 

1 

204 

678  75 

son,*  \\  .  L.  Judd, 

16 

l!> 

1 

?1 

IQ 

18 

1 

177 

7  35 

bl 

W.  W.  Moore,  W.L.  Judd,* 

C.  Fergl-son,* 

4 

11 

2 

16 

3 

■? 

3 

170 

62 

A.  L.  Post,  W.  L.  Judd, 

5 

2 

30 

l'> 

1 

134 

11  00 

53  U.  a.  Post,  W.  L.  Judd  *    J 

€ 

6 

2 

_^ 

1 

2 

13P 

AMSTERDAM  church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  a.  d.  180L 


1801 
02 
03 
04 
05 
06 
07 
08 


^  No  Pastor, 

,  'So  report, 

John  Holites, 
J.  Holmes, 

,  J.  Holmes,* 

,  Pastor  dead, 

The  church  became  extiuct 

for  years;  in   1825    revi 

ved  agaiu. 

— ,  letter, 

David  Gonvnrs, 


Absalom  B.  Earl, 
A.  B.  Earl,* 
A.  B.  Earl,» 
J.  I.  Whitman, 
J.  I.  Whitman, 
Solomon  Gale,  Jr., 
Solomon  Gale,  Jr., 
Edwin  Wescott, 

J.  W.  GiBBS, 
[J.  W.  GiBBS, 

,  Association  met  here, 

W.  Hutchinson, 


16 
3 
2 
3 
2 
1 

17 
1 

81 
8 

91 
6 


7 
1110 

6 
14 
M6 


1 
1 
2 

3 

17    1 

1      I 

1 


16 
33 
34 
34 
40 
64 
48 
46 
56 


$1  09 


2  02 
2  00 


1  12 
3  00 


61 

8  00 

71 

4  00 

59 

75 

61 

73 

37  02 

72 

22  00 

101 

10  00 

109 

15  55 

193 

33  68 

188 

12  25 

376 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


AMSTERDAM   church — continue!). 


,A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

D 

a" 

^ 

P 

«' 

p 

> 

Monies 

FOE 

Benkt. 

1846 

"W.  Hutchinson,' 

"■ 

4 

lO! 

6 

2 

193 

134  50 

46 

W.  Hutchinson, 

2 

2 

1 

16 

1 

181 

10  00 

47 

J.  M.  Harris, 

2 

6 

3 

174 

17  76 

48 

J.  M.  Harris, 

3 

] 

4 

172 

56  00 

49 

J.  M.  Harris, 

46 

6 

4 

22 

6 

3 

192 

111  00 

1850 

J.  M.  Harris, 

25 

7 

2 

1 

221 

92  00 

61 

J.  M.  Harris,  A 

S.  Davis, 

15 

3 

1 

2 

230 

40  CO 

52  J.  M.  Harris, 

20 

6 

4 

4    1 

247 

290  00 

63i 

1     1     1 

ARLINGTON  church,  Vt.,  const'd  Aug.  27,  1812. 


1813 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 

1820 
21 
22 
28 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 

1880 
SJ 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

1840 
41 


Isaac 


E.  Galusha,  a  supply, 
E.  Galusha,       " 
No  pastor, 


Bucklin, 
No  minutes, 


No  minutes, 
C.  M.  Fuller.     A  revival ! 

No  minutes, 
Cyrus  W.  Hodges, 
C.  W.  Hodges,  no  minutes, 
C.  W.  Hodges, 
Charles  Randall, 
Charles  Randall,* 
,  No  pastor, 

Thomas  Marshall, 
-,  T.  Marshall, 
-,  No  pastor, 

-,  No  returns. 


,  No  report,* 


53 

12 

65 

1 

1 

65 

2 

1 

66 

1 

1 

1 

67 

18 

1 

1 

83 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

82 
60 

37 
52 

84 

1 

1 

86 
91 

4 

3 

8 
2 

90 
76 

10 

6 

3 

2 

85 

21 

6 

3 

3 

94 

1 

I 

1 

1 

94 

1 

2 

1 

98 

2 

9 

6 

2 

1 

70 
64 
59 
59 
69 

3 

4 

4 

48 
48 

*This  church  disbanded  in  1843. 


SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


377 


ASHFIELD  cHtnacH,  Mass.,  constituted  in  1761, 


Pastors  and  Ministees. 

r 

S! 

o 

O 

t?3 
o 

« 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Bap- 

tiz'u 

fs' 

O 

p 

FOR 

Benev. 

1790 

Ebknezer  Smith, 

22 

91 

Ebenezer  Smith, 

2 

24 

«2 

E.  Smith,  No  minutes, 

24 

93 

E.  Smith, 

4 

0 

26      ^  ,. 

94 

E.  Smith, 

2 

1 

28    i;. 

95 

E.  Smith.  No  returna.  Dis- 
missed   to    the     Leyden 
Associatioa. 

1836] — — ,  No  pastor, 

81 

37, Dana  Browj?,        |     1     L 
38' ,No  pastor,    '     !^  '' 

1 

3 

4 

3 

78 

2 

4 

2 

74 

1852 , 

_„ 

_ 

50 

AUSTERLITZ  church,  N.  Y.,   (once    1  Canaan,)  con- 

STITUTED    IN    1779. 


1792 
955 
94 
96 
96 
97 
98 
99 

1800 
01 
02 
03 
04 
05 
06 
07 
08 
09 

1810 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 


United  this  year. 
No  pastor, 
No  report,'  ^     j     j 
No  pastor/  i     I     |S 


Ellice  Bromley, 
E.  Beomley,* 
— — ,  No  pastor, 

James  Pettit, 
•J.  Pettit,* 
J.  Pettit, 

No  pastor. 


Silas  Spalding, 
3.  Spalding, 
S.  Spalding, 
S.  Spalding, 

,  No  pastor, 

— ,  No  report, 


27 

27 

g 

27 
37 

2 

a 

35 

5 

37 

1 

2 

34 

3 

3 

34 

40 

5 

1 

67 

& 

4 

64 

1 

1 

64 

8 

2 

53 
53 
51 

1 

5 

45 

2 

47 

1 

1 

1 

45 

3 

4 

2 

40 

1      10 

a 

46 

1       1 

1 

45 

2 

5 

41 

3 

1 

43 

1 

5 

38 
37 

3 

7 

2 

1 

37 
28 
28 
2ft 

50 
50 

76 
00 
00 


17' 


378 


3HAFTSBUIIY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


AUSTERLITZ  church— continued. 

A.    S. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 

3 

to 

M 

a: 

2      2 

Monies 

FOR 

tiz'd. 

S3" 

o" 

o" 

O"; 

^    r 

Bknev. 

1820 

,  uo  pastor. 

5 

2 

1 

2 

2      30 

21 

,  now  called  Austerlitz, 

3 

1 

1 

1 

35 

22 

Erastus  DoTy, 

9 

1      43 

23 

,  No  pastor, 

2      41 

24 

Abel  Brown, 

2 

48 

25 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

44 

26 

1 

3 

1 

5      34 

27 

Henry  Palmer, 

2 

4 

1 

31 

28 

H.  Palmer, 

4 

2 

37 

29 

H.  Palmer,"* 

1 

1       34 

1830 

H.  Palmer," 

1 

1 

3 

35 

31 

H.  Palmer,* 

2 

1 

36 

32 

H.  Palmer.*    (la  Stephen- 

- 

town  Association, 

10 

8 

1 

1      47 

33 

H.  Palmer, 

11 

4 

5      1 

57 

34 

H.  Palmer, 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

1 
2 

1 
6 

57 

35 

11 

1 

61 

86 

Horace  Spencer, 

4 

1       66 

$     76 

37 

,  H.  Palmer, 

2 

1      59 

38 

,  Letter  sent. 

2 

8 

1 

1       52 

39 

,no  report. 

52 

■ 

1840  Joseph  D.  Rogers, 

2 

1 

1 

1      48 

41J.  D.  Rogers, 

29 

1 

76 

42  P.  Prink, 

15 

1 

1 

2 

7 

1 

79      13  07 

48  P.  Peink, 

15 

2      64 

7  41 

44  P.  Bktts, 

1 

7 

2 

56 

45  P.  Betts, 

2 

2 

3 

57 

32  97 

46  Abram  a.  Russell, 

6 

1 

3 

2      59 

26  42 

47  Platt  Betts, 

7 

1 

3 

16 

54 

48 ,  No  report, 

54 

49  P.  Betts, 

1 

i  2 

1 

2       54 

1850  "W.  S.  Knapp,* 

1 

l' 

1 

55 

2 

51 ,  No  report. 

56 

52iP.  P.  Sanderson, 

2 

3    3 

2       46 

53| 

1 

BALLSTON   SPA    chur 
1- 

CH,     N.    Y.,    CONJ 

jn. 

5TITUTED    A.    D. 

1797 

.    .. 

20 

98 

29 

99 

74 

i 

! 

€ 

94 

180(1 

Elias  Lee, 

! 

9S 

01 

Elias  Lee, 

11 

4 

77 

'\i 


SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


879 


BALLSTON  SPA  church — continued. 


A.   D. 

Pastoes  and  Mikistees. 

Bap- 

2 

5 

o 

K 
a 

D 

r 

Monies 

FOE 

tiz'd 

fo' 

H 

o" 

r 

p 

> 

Benkv. 

1802 T^' TIC  i.iT 

4 

81 
81 

03 

Elias  Lee,  No  report, 

04 

Elias  Lee, 

3 

4 

2 

1 

79 

06 

Elias  Lee, 

72 

06 

Elias  Lee, 

1 

8 

47 

07 

Elias  Lek,  No  report, 

47 

08 

Elias  Lee,* 

3 

8 

1 

47 

09 

Elias  Lee, 

3 

3 

3 

44 

$5  00 

1810 

EuAs  Lek, 

6 

1 

1 

48 

4  50 

11 

Elias  Lee,* 

40 

1 

2 

1 

84 

5  37 

12 

EuAs  Lee, 

7 

7 
3 

3 
1 

2 

81 
76 

13 

Elias  Lee,* 

1 

14 

Eljas  Lee, 

3 

1 

) 

'  77 

15 

E.  Lee,*  No  report, 

77 

16 

E.  Lee, 

2 

4 

75 

l*? 

E.  Lee, 

3 

3 

4 

74 

18 

E.  Lee,  (Association  here,) 

1 

2 

1 

70 

13  80 

19 

E.  Lee, 

63 

3 

1 

1 

134 

28  00 

1820 

E.  Lee, 

9 

3 

1 

3 

2 

142 

21 

E.  Lee, 

1 

3 

1 

1 

3 

143 

22 

E.  Lek, 

1 

3 

3 

3 

3 

138 

23 

E.  Lee,* 

2 

5 

1 

3 

1 

140 

24 

E.  Lb-H* 

1 

1 

3 

1 

2 

136 

26 

K  Lek, 

4 

3 

143 

26 

E.  Lee, 

1 

2 

1 

5 

2 

1 

189 

1  00 

27 

E.  Lee,*  No  report. 

189 

28 

E.  Lke, 

143 

3  00 

-     29 

,  Pastor  dead, 

143 

4  00 

1830 

Wm.  E.  Watebbdet, 

8 

0 

1 

1 

88 

3  94 

31 

W.  E.  Waterbuey, 

9 

7! 

4 

1 

99 

14  00 

32 

W.  E.  Wateebpry, 

12 

2 

1 

11 

1 

2 

100 

16  57 

83 

W.  E.  Wateebuey, 

4 

7 

10 

5 

1 

95 

24  50 

34 

Sylvester  S.  Paee, 

119 

16 

2 

1 

214 

12  86 

35 

S.  S.  Paee, 

36 

12 

1 

22 

8 

2 

232 

51  59 

36 

Chaeles  B.  Ketes,  (Asso- 

ciation here,) 

2 

12 

18 

2 

3 

219 

219  44 

37 

, 

9 

2 

IS 

8 

3 

212 

77  50 

38 

NOEMAN  Fox, 

18 

10 

1 

7 

2 

228 

50  18 

39 

Noeman  Fox, 

76 

8 

14 

15 

3 

252 

158  32 

1840 

NOEMAN  Fox, 

3 

2 

19 

6 

2 

232 

184  50 

41 

Noeman  Fox, 

22 

15 

12 

3 

2 

252 

179  10 

42 

NoEMAN  Fox, 

6 

9 

1 

10 

1 

256 

214  00 

43 

NoEJiAN  Fox,             There.) 

188 

23 

6 

7 

3 

417 

137  94 

44'NoEMAN  Fox,    (Association 

6 

24  i 

2."^ 

9 

4 

408 

196  31 

380 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX- 


BALLSTON  SPA  church — continued. 


1845 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1860 

■r.     51 

-5  52 
53 


Pastors  and  Ministers. 


Norman  Fox, 

NOEMAN  Fox, 

Norman  Fox, 
NoEMAN  Fox, 
NoEMAN  Fox, 
Oeein  Dodge,  N.  Fox, 
Oeein  Dodge,  N.  Fox,* 
J.  Freeman,  O.  Dodge,  N. 
Pox, 


Bap- 
tiz'd 

w 

00 

s 

o 

o 
r 
V 

7 

O 

w 

0 

4 

1 

21 

20 

400 

10 

13 

39 

4 

.5 

349 

13 

1 

14 

4 

7 

334 

1 

5 

14 

6 

4 

310 

4 

11 

1 

8 

3 

3 

312 

59 

6 

2 

18 

1 

3 

402 

3 

8 

n 

24 

17 

5 

360 

2 

1 

1 

9 

3 

327 

Monies 

FOR 

Benev. 

$92  00 
176  21 
278  50 
314  48 
331  83 
191  61 
1361  31 

630  84 


BECKET  CHURCH,  mass.,  const'd  in  1764. 


1809 
1810 

11 

1819 

1821 

23 

24 

27 


GO 


«£ 


i4^ 


28 

29 

,1830 

,.  81 

;  32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

1840 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 


Amos  Kingsley, 
A.  Kingsley, 

A.    KiNGSLET, 

Dismissed  to  Westfield  As- 
sociation. 

— ,  Lemuel  Thompson, 
— ,  No  pastor, 
— ,  IsEAEL  Keach, 
— ,  No  pastor, 

— ,  Joined  the  Berkshire 

Association, 
— ,  No  pastor, 

John  Wildee, 
J.  Wilder, 

No  report. 


No  statistics. 
In  a  low  state, 
No  report,. 
Br.  Knatf, 
No  pastor. 


Norman  Habbis, 
James  J.  Scarrit.lii.  Haeeis, 

J.  J.    SOAEEITT,  ' 


2    3 


25 

34 

40 

29 

..  ■ 

1 

80 

» 

1 

24 

_): 

h 

3  25 

.o 

1 

1 

60 

3 

2 

60 

6 

60 

$3  50  i 

1 

64 

14  00 

8 

1 

1 

66 
66 
66 
66 
66 

26 
20 
20 

8  22 

2 

21 
23 

2  00 

1 

1 

34 

1 

33 

27  23 

1 

34 

31  00 

2 

41 

57  02 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


381 


BECKET  CHURCH — continued. 


'Tfl 


47 

48 

49 

1850 
61 

52 


Pastoes  and  Ministers. 


J.  J.   SCAERITT,   H.  D.  Doo- 
UTTLE, 

D.  T.  Shailkk,  H.  D.  Doo- 

LTTTLE, 

D.  T.  Shailek,   H.  D.  Doo- 

LITTLK, 

D.  T.  Shailee, 
D.  T.  Shailee, 
D.  T.  Shailee, 


Bap 

tiz'd 

P3 

a" 

fa 
O 

P3 
o 

1 

p 

S 

o 

1 
1 

1 

o 

H 
> 

47 

50 

62 
61 
63 
91 

1 

3 

4 

5 

2 

23 

2 

6 

8 
2 
2 

1 

2 
2 

0 

8 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 

63  22 

159  55 

105  75 

82  00 

165  13 

61  76 


BENNINGTON,   (First)    Church,    constituted    in 
1827. 


1827 

Charles  B.  Keyes, 

^~ 

42 

28 

,  No  pastor, 

6 

3 

7 

1 

43 

29 

Henry  F.  Baldwin, 

2 

7 

2 

1 

49 

1830 

U.  F.  Baldwin,* 

4 

5 

3 

1 

1 

53 

31 

Thomas  Teasdale, 

17 

9 

10 

1 

70 

82 

Jeremiah  Hall, 

20 

10 

1 

6 

3 

87 

33 

J.  Hall, 

6 

4 

6 

1 

1 

90 

$20  92 

34 

J.  Hall, 

12 

6 

3 

2 

103 

35 

Samuel  B.  Willis, 

3 

5 

3 

1 

107 

86 

,  No  pastor. 

r    6 

14 

6 

3 

3 

115 

37 

Stephen  Hutchins, 

14 

12 

1 

'  107 

38 

S.  Hutchins, 

7 

8 

7 

1 

113 

39 

S.  Hutchins, 

8 

2 

10 

113 

64  00 

1840 

S.  Hutchins, 

80 

14 

4 

3 

2 

206 

180  00 

41 

S.  Hutchins, 

1 

6 

11 

5 

6 

192 

42 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

1 

183 

43 

Wm.  W.  Mooee, 

67 

12 

1 

5 

267 

44 

Cyrus  "W.  Hodges, 

8 

4 

15 

51 

6 

2 

180 

10  50 

45 

C.  W.  Hodges, 

2 

6 

12 

1 

176 

- 

46 

C.  W.  Hodges, 

1 

3 

1 

7 

1 

3 

169 

47 

C    "W.  Hodges, 

8 

5 

1 

166 

48 

C.  W.  Hodges, 

8 

3 

1 

8 

3 

1 

147 

49 

r,  No  pastor, 

9    3 

4 

6 

2 

1 

154 

1850 

Edward  Conoveb, 

911 

1 

7 

2 

166 

64  51 

61 

E.  Conovee, 

2'  7 

2 

5 

3 

169 

79  04 

52 

,  No  pastor, 

Ij 

6 

5 

159 

35  00 

53 

1 

1 

2 

1 

155 

382 


SHAFTSBTTRY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


BENNINGTON,  (Second)  Church,  const'd  in  1844. 


1845 
46 
4-7 
48 
49 

1850 
61 

00  ss 

>r    63 


Pastors  &  Ministees. 


Justin  A.  Smith, 
•J.  A.  Smith, 
J.  A.  Smith, 
J.  A.  Smith, 
J.  A.  Smith, 
John  D.  E.  Jones, 
J.  D.  E.  Jones, 
J.  D.  E.  Jones, 
J.  D.  E.  Jones, 


Bap 

tiz'd 


ai  o 


MOMES 


f"      BKNKVT. 


38 

68 

73 

84 

84 

100 

103 

101 

105 


$60  40 

12  20 

156  40 
68  00 

J41  88 
H5  60 


BERLIN  Church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  dec 

30,  1783. 

1785 

Justus  Hull, 

43 

a 

86 

J.  Hull, 

1 

1 

43 

87 

J.  Hull,  (No  minutes,) 

45 

88 

J.  Hull, 

16 
14 

1 

1 

1 

1 

61 

74 

89 

J.  Hull, 

1790 

J.  Hull,  (No  minutes,) 

16 

90 

91 

J.  Hull,  R.  Nilks,  E.  Mof- 
fitt. 

7 

97 

92 

J.  Hull,  R.  Niles,  E.  Mof- 

FITT, 

5 

102 

93 

J,  Hull,  E.  Moffitt, 

13 

116 

94 

J.  Hull,    E.    Moffitt,    R. 
Niles, 

20 

1 

1 

130 

95 

J.  Huj.L,    E.  Moffitt,*  R. 

Niles,* 

10 

2 

1 

1 

128 

96 

J.  Hull, 

10 

2 

3 

123 

•"   97 

J.  Hull,  E.  Moffitt, 

14 

5 

1 

136 

98 

J.  Hull,  E.  Moffitt, 

12 

1 

146 

99 

J.  Hull, 

21 

2 

2 

1 

165 

1800 

J.  Hull, 

136 

2 

2 

298 

01 

J.  Hull, 

32 

6 

2 

324 

02 

J.  Hull,  Aldeeman  Baker, 

32 

5 

6 

7 

838 

03 

J.  Hull, 

21 

1 

1 

3 

358 

04 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker, 

8 

4 

2 

4 

852 

05 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker,* 

1 

3 

1 

348 

$5  00 

06 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker,* 

22 

6 

2 

2 

358 

07 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker,* 

19 

3 

3 

7 

365 

08 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker, 

19 

5 

7 

3 

865 

09 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker, 

16 

2 

6 

3 

373 

60 

1810 

J.  Hull,  A.  Baker,* 

13 

5 

2 

2 

377 

11 

J.  Hull,* 

18 

2 

4 

2 

396 

12 

J.  Hull,*  A.  Baker, 

226 

8 

2 

1 

611 

18 

J.  Hull, 

28 

26 

8 

18 

568 

SEC.  Ill,] 


CHUKCHES:   STATISTICS. 


388.-.ii 


BERLIN  Chubch — continued* 


A.D. 

Pastors  &  Ministees. 

Bap-  ~ 

3  t?3' 
X 
o 

3 

o 

Monies 

FOE 

nz  D   B 

t* 

a 

>■ 

Benev. 

5 

S 

a 

t-i 

14 

J.  Hull,  A.  Bakee, 

■■  7 

8 

554 

- 

15 

J.  Hull,  (1  Sandlake  church 

7 

31 

6 

2    522] 

fonned.) 

16 

J.  Hull, 

7 

4 

3 

1 

521 

17 

J.  Hull, 

4 

3 

6 

1 

515 

18 

J.  Hull,  (No  report,) 

515 

"■ 

19 

J.  Hull  *       " 

515 

1820 

J.   Hull,    No    returns    for 
years, 

1 

! 

25 

J.  Hull, 

9    1 

3 

2 

1 

477 

26 

J.  Hull,*    Dropped    from 
minutes. 

27 

—  (Grafton  church  formed,) 

28 

J.  D.  Rogers,*  (Peteraburgh 
also  formed,) 

29 

J.    D.  ROGEES,* 

17 

1830 

J.  D.  RoGEES,* 

2 

31 

J.  D.  RoGEES,* 

29 

160 

32 

J.  D.    RoGEES,    United   to 
Stephentown  Association. 

52 

212 

33 

J.  D.   RoGEES, 

5    4 

) 

3 

5 

212 

U  69 

34 

J.  D.  RoGEES, 

2 

2 

8 

3 

206 

25  00 

85 

J.  D.   RoGEES, 

22    1 

4 

4 

1 

8 

2 
3 

178 
162 

41   93 

36 

J.  D.  RoGEES,* 

23  00 

37 

J.  Di.RoGEE.S, 

(Association 

2    3 

2 

197 

here,) 

26    2 

46  39 

38 

,  No  pastor, 

4    1 

23 

0 

2 

179 

8  76 

39 

Isaac  S.  Gifkoed, 

4    4 

2    2 

2 

185 

?7  00 

1840 

L    S.    GiFFOED, 

41    1 

11    6 

1 

G 

230 

36  50 

41 

I.    S.    GiFFOED, 

2    2 

2    4 

1 

5 

225 

11  64 

42 

I.    S.    GiFFORD, 

1    1 

1    3 

1 

8 

216 

12  50 

43 

I.    S.    GiFFORD, 

74    1 

7    4 

4 

4 

286 

46  75 

44 

I.    S.    GiFFOED, 

1    1 

1    4 

5 

3 

277 

13  83 

45 

I.    S.    GiFFOED, 

4    2 

9 

4 

8 

258 

11  41 

46 

I.    S.    GiFFOED, 

22 

4    71 

3    2 

6 

25? 

16  00 

47 

Gardner  C.  T 

Ripr,   (Asso- 

ciation  here, 

2 

1  11  1 

5    1 

2 

223 

31  69 

48 

Wm.   I.  LOOMIS, 

20 

1    3 

1 

7 

232 

30  06 

49 

W,  I.  Loom  IS, 

2 

9 

1 

6 

217 

30  75 

1850 

W.  BOWEN, 

1    2 

1  15 

3 

10 

193 

43  05 

51 

,  No  pastor, 

1    7 

8 

6 

166 

123  92 

52JWM.   W.  Smith. 

5    2 

3    2 

21  3 

169 

59   10 

584 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION, 


[appendix. 


SANDLAKE,^    (First)    Church,    constituted    Sept. 
24,  1814. 


A.    D, 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

t^ 

n 

O 

t 

Benevo 

LENT 

tiz'd 

V 

<3 

— 

o' 

d' 

> 

Monies 

A  branch    of  Berlin,    and 

never  associated  till  1832. 

1835 

,  No    returns    till  this 

year, 

18 

62 

36 

Aldeeman  Baker,* 

5 

3 

4 

2 

58 

37 

A   Baker,* 

4 

1 

51 

38 

A.  Baker, 

2 

49 

|3  00 

39 

A.  Bakke,*  (No  report,) 

49 

1840 

A.  Baker,'*         " 

49 

41 

A.  Baker  * 

1 

1 

33 

42 

A.  Bakek,*  (No  report,) 

.  33 

43 

A.  Baker,* 

33 

44 

A.  Baker,* 

33 

45 

A.  Baker, 

32 

46 

,  Oct.  28th,  Pastor  died. 

1 

25 

47 

,  No  pastor, 

25 

48 

D.    W.    (in  FORD,     (church 
called  Poestenkill,) 

6 

2 

3 

37 

49 ,  No  report, 

. 

■ 

37 

1850  P.  W.  Amblke, 

i 

30 

31 ,  No  report. 

30 

52 

30 

ORAFTON  CnuRCHt  N.  Y.,  const'd  July  5th,  1827. 


1832 

33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 


Unassociated  till  1832. 

Nathan  Lewis, 

N.  Lewis,  (No  report,) 

K.  Lewis, 

N.  Lewis,* 

N.  Lewis, 

N.  Lewis, 

N.  Lewis,  J.  D.  Rogers, 


39|J.  D.  Rogers,  N.  Lewis,* 
1840  Nathan    Lewis,*     B.     W. 
Gifford, 

41  J.  D.  Rogers,  N.  Lewis,* 

42  J.  D.  Rogers,  N.  Lewis,* 

43  J.  D.  Rogers,  N.  Lewis, 

44  J.  D.  Rogers,  N.  Lewis,* 

45  J.  D.  Rogers,  N  Lewis, 

46  J.  D.  Rogers,  (Eld.  L.  died 

in  March.) 


1  102 

I  102 

101 

103 

90 

75 

74 

75 

75 


132 
126 
126 


2.  125 


|!2  60 

7  75 

19  00 

4  75 


■  EC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


885 


GRAFTON    CHURCH — continued. 


W 

W 

O  O 

W 

M 

H 

Monies 

A  T) 

PaSTOBS  «fe  MimSTKKS. 

Bap- 

>< 

0) 

CO 

to 
O 

o 

FOR 

tiz'd 

H 

S 

o 

? 

Benkv. 

47 

J.  D.  ROGKES, 

1 

1 

128 

48 

M.  L.  Fuller,  J.  D.  Rogers, 

2 

1 

4 

2 

123 

30  00 

49 

H.  J.  S.  Lewis,  J.  D.  Ro- 
gers,* 

1 

7 

1 

116 

1850 

H.  J.  S.  Lewis,  J.  D.  Ro- 

gers, 

63 

1 

g 

3 

8 

177 

51 

H.  J.  S.  Lewis,*  J.  D.  Ro- 

gers, 

2 

11 

1 

6 

161 

6  OS 

62 

H.  J,  S,  Lewis,  Rogers,  & 

D.  W.  GiFFORD. 

1 

45  2 

115 

10  86 

PETERSBURGH^  church,  N.  T.,  constituted  May 
12th  1828. 


1832 

33 
34 
85 
36 
37 
38 
39 

1840 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1850 
51 
62 


Not  associated  till  1832 
Joseph  D.  Rogers,  Nathan 

Lewis, 
Asa  H.  Palmer, 
,  No  pastor, 

Gardner  C.  Tripp, 
G.  C.  Tripp, 

— ,  No  pastor, 
N.  Lewis,* 

,  (No  report,) 

Edwin  Wescott, 
E.  Wescott, 
Edward  B.  Ceandall, 
EJ.  B.  Crandall, 
E,  B.  Crandajll, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
E.  B.  Crandall, 
,  D.  Eldridge, 


2 

1 

1 

1 

80 

9 

4 

1 

4 

2 

1 
4 

90 
81 

1 

1 

2 

79 

3 

2 

75 

12 

2 

2 

72 

1 

2 

2 

1 

68 
68 
68 

11 

13 

2 

86 

1 

5 

3 

1 

74 

46 

4 

6 

7 

2 

120 

2 

4 

3 

1 

2 

110 

6 

1 

1 

3 

2 

108 

20 

6 

3 

2 

3 

1 

3 

126 

3 

2 

1 

120 

20 

1 

8 

1 

1 

144 

6 

1 

4 

1 

141 

18 

1 

2 

3 

154 

1 

10 

1 

1 

142 

2 

6 

8 

1 

2 

114 

$14  00 
5  00 
9  12i 


6  66 
41  41 

8  00 
45  26 
28  02 
30  72 
26  14 
60  58 
52  OS 
54  09 
66  16 
22  37 


\  These  3  churches,  First  Sandlake,  Grafton  and  Petersburgh,  wer© 
oflfshoots  of  the  Berlin  church. 

18 


o86 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


BOTTSKILL  church,  N.  Y.,  constituted  in  1774. 

,.. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

3ap-  b 

riz'D   ^■ 

'  fee" 

w 

o    o 

o 

> 

Monies 

FOR 

Benev. 

1785 

,  No  minutes. 

74 

RF, 

rt, 

12 

74 
86 

87 

,  ^1  *j  1  e  iju 

88 

?f athan  Tanner, 

20 

106 

89 

1790 

N^.  Tanner,*  no  report, 
N".  Tanner,           " 

106 

9i 

N.  Tanner, 

HI 

217 

92 

N.  Tanner,*  no  minutes, 

93 

N.  Tanner, 

20 

209 

94 

,  No  pastor, 

10 

4 

0   7 

172 

-95 

Edward  Barber, 

27 

6 

3 

198 

96 

E.  Barber, 

31 

9 

1 

219 

97 

E.  Barber, 

IS 
15 

2 

1     1 
4    ] 

232 

240 

98 

E.  Barber, 

99 

E.  Barber, 

IS 

2 

3    3 

240 

1800 

E.  Barber,  left  Association. 

01 

E.  Barber,* 

02 

E.  Barber, 

08 

E.  Barber, 

04  E.  Barber,  united  ■with  the 

05  Saratoga  Body, 

06  E.  Barbek, 

1 

5    6 

235 
233 

07 'e.  Barbek, 

8 

2    1 

238 

$20  25 

\j>-  K.  Bakbeu, 

4 

1 

4    1 

231 

10  86 

09  E.  Barber, 

40 

1 

270 

13  87 

1810 

E.  Barber, 

11 

2    1 

278 

26  10 

11 

E.  Barber, 

6 

4    2 

278 

13  80 

12 

E.  Barber, 

6 

2 

282 

13 

E.  Barber, 

2 

1 

2    5 

276 

6  00 

!4 

E.  Barber, 

16 

292 

J5 

E.  Barber, 

5 

4 

1    2 

297 

16 

E.  Barber, 

204 

4 

S 

4 

494 

18  43 

17 

E.  Barber, 

56 

2 

4    1 

647 

14  00 

18 

E.  Barber, 

6 

1 

9    9 

6g( 

9   25 

18 

E.  Barber, 

16 

7 

9    6 

538 

7  00 

182L 

E.  Barber, 

6 

7 

4    5 

537 

14  33 

21 

E.  Barber, 

3 

9    5 

524 

10  75 

25 

E.  Barber, 

8 

9 

) 

5  a 

534 

2  00 

2C 

i  E.  Babbbe, 

1 

5 

[ 

4    g 

529 

17  96 

24 

E.  Barber, 

6 

2    1 

5 

I 

S    4 

529 

11  00 

25  E.  Barber, 

26  E.  Barber,  Amasa  Brown,* 

10 

2    i 

> 

5    £ 

532 

13  70 

11  75 

21 

4    ] 

5 

; 

1    S 

547 

27  E.  Barber,  no  returns. 

64^ 

1  00 

28  E.  Barber,  \Ym.  M'Cullkr 

547 

I  00 

SEC.  III.] 


CHOaCHES:    STATISTICS. 


387 


BOTTSKILL  CHurvCii — coi^tinued. 


A.  D. 

Pastors  and 

MiXISTEES. 

TI 

AP-  a 

!3 

a" 

¥ 

C 

0 

C=3  c 

0 

H 

!> 

MoNLKa 
FOR 

Bknev. 

1829  E.  Bakbee, 

547 

7  87 

1830  E.  BAUBEa, 

547 

1  00 

31 1 E.  Barber, 

86 

414 

32; E.  Bakber, 

8'  6 

5 

■8 

:4 

422 

42  35 

33 
34 

E.  Barber, 

[1834. 

20 
135 

8 
5 

1 

4 
6 

'6 

4 

2 

7 

439 
570 

16  27 

,  Pastor 

died  July  1, 

64-  29 

35  N^ATHAMEn-CoLVER,     '    | 

-79 

9 

1 

6 

38 

2 

4 

609 

"31  95 

36  N.  CoLVER, 

3'7|N.  CoLVER, 

5 

2 

6 

11 

9 

593 

67  08 
128  12 

95 

3 

26 

8 

651 

38  Philander  D. 

GiLLETT, 

28  10 

6 

6 

4 

3 

682 

63  51 

39  N".  CoLVE 

a. 

Ij  S 

8 

74 

4 

9 

596 

26  43 

1840  William 

Arthur,       | 

6  13 

2 

7 

6 

6 

59i) 

30  22 

41  Wii.  Art 

HUR, 

8 

1 

20 

6 

5 

398 

149  40 

42  Wm.  Arthur, 

24  6 

1 

17 

8 

11 

415 

80  35 

43  Wm.  Arthur, 

115  15 

4 

18 

5 

3 

523 

223  56 

44  Wii.  Arthur, 

7  16 

3 

29 

7 

10 

50S 

V2l   69 

45  James  Oblev 

Mason, 

7  5 

3 

33 

15 

9 

461 

363  78 

46  J.  0.  Mason, 

60  15 

3 

12 

11 

2 

515 

65s  52 

47.1.  0.  Mason, 

1 

3 

9 

11 

9 

489 

534  44 

48  . J.  0.  Mason, 

7 

4  1 

26 

11 

5 

460 

641  80 

49!j.  0.  Mason, 

32 

6 

19 

4 

3 

A12 

637  OS 

1850  J.  0.. Mason, 

6 

llj  1 

15 

1 

5 

469 

442  95 

51, J.  0.  Mason, 

30 

81  4 

16 

5 

6 

485 

1343  80 

52  J.  0.  Mason, 

3 

5i 

7 

3 

9 

474 

1672  86 

5  3' J.  0.  Mason, 

13 

41  1 

16 

3)  4 

469 

LAKE  VILLE  church,  Gk.eenwich,  N.  Y.,  const'd  1834. 


1 834  (^Set   oti    from   Bottskill  in 
,     September, 

35  A.  Kknton, 

36  AacHiriALD  Kenton, 

37  A.  Kenyon, 

38| ,  B.  F.  OarjieU, 

39 1  A.  Kenyon, 

18401 ,  no  report, 

41iWM.  Brand, 
421  Wm.  Brand, 
43JWM.  Brand, 
44:  Wm.  Brand, 
45' ,  No  pastor, 

46  Stephen  Wright,  D.Sweet, 

47  S.  Wright,  David  Sweet,* 

48  S.  Wright, 


12 

5 

16 

3 

1 

28 

2 

4 

4 

3 

5 

1 

29 

5 

1 

2 

0 

11 

3 

2 

6 

1 

4 

3 

2 

1 

4 

6 

1 
i 

1 

3 

2 

2 

3 

0 

1 

45! 

52 

67 

94 

87 

87 

79 

83 

114 

107 

99 

102 

98 

96 


$6  00 
1  00 


20  41 
42  70 
13  30 


388 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


LAKEVILLE  church — continued. 


Bap 

r 

rC 

O 

O 

c?d 

D 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

H 

M 

CB 

o 

n 

K 

H 

FOB 

tiz'd 

1 

o' 

o" 

►0^ 

Benkv. 

1849 

S.  Wright, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

93 

41  87 

1850 

,  No  pastor, 

4 

1 

2 

2 

2 

92 

8  61 

51 

James  J.  Peck, 

1 

4 

1 

1 

] 

] 

95 

7  54 

62 

J.  J.  Peck, 

1 

1 

2 

3 

92 

19  60 

53 

Horace  G.  Mason,* 

19 

1 

3 

7 

1 

106 

GREENWICH,  (West)  chukch,  or  Galesville,  N.  Y., 

CONSTITUTED    1887. 


1837 

,  Branch  of  Bottskill, 

, 

50 

38 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

32 

7 

3 

o 

81 

89 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

1 

o 

3 

76 

6  65 

1840 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

23 

13 

6 

104 

6  00 

41 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

7 

1 

2 

110 

42 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

20 

15 

2 

2 

2 

139 

43 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

79 

6 

8 

2 

208 

44 

Thomas  S.  Rogkes,* 

5 

4 

18 

3 

1 

203 

45 

T.  S.  Rogers, 

2 

1 

8 

5 

193 

18  29 

46 

Solomon  Gale, 

5 

10 

1 

3 

27 

1 

178 

5  00 

47 

Jerome  T.  Ma»on, 

2 

4 

8 

2 

167 

4  00 

48 

J.  T.  Mason, 

19 

5 

8 

4 

4 

160 

29  72 

49 

J.  T.  Mason, 

4 

2 

3 

3 

150 

66  23 

1850 

J.  T.  Mason, 

28 

5 

2 

164 

51 

J.  T.  Mason, 

15 

3 

3 

7 

3 

1 

185 

153  75 

52 

J.  T.  Mason, 

5 

2 

1 

7 

19 

1 

158 

217  14 

53 

J.  T.  Mason, 

17 

2 

4 

2 

1 

169 

BROADALBIN  (once   Mayfield,)  church,  N.  Y.,  con- 
stituted IN  1792. 


1796 

,  No  pastor. 

42 

96 

,         " 

5 

47 

97 

" 

S 

12 

2 

1 

33 

98 

Hezekiah  Gorton, 

7 

2 

2 

37 

99 

H.  Gorton, 

16 

1 

50 

1800 

H.  Gorton,* 

27 

1 

1 

77 

01 

H.  Gorton, 

3 

6 

75 

02 

EJ.  Gorton, 

11 

1 

86 

03 

H.  Gorton, 

22 

3 

105 

04 

H.  Gorton, 

11 

116 

05 

H.  Gorton, 

27 

3 

1 

139 

$10  07 

06 

H.  Gorton, 

4 

3 

141 

07 

H.  Gorton,* 

7 

1 

3 

1 

143 

10  00 

08 

H.  Gorton, 

11 

3 

A 

144 

7  00 

SEC.  III. J 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS, 


389 


BROADALBIN  church 

— 

CONTINUED. 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bai-jI^ 
riz  D  ^. 

0 

0 

►a 

S 

'-3 
0 

> 

iViONIfiS 
FOR 

• 

p 

0" 

»' 

o' 

^ 

P 

Benev. 

1809 

H.  GORTO>f,* 

39^ 

2 

2 

2 

171 

6  61 

1810 

EI.  Gorton,* 

11 

3 

1 

1 

ISij 

4  50 

11 

H.  Gorton, 

6 

3 

2 

2 

182 

6  70 

1^ 

H.  Gorton, 

6 

2 

4 

182 

4  04 

13 

,  No  pastor. 

6 

3 

2 

1 

182 

14 

Jonathan  Nichols, 

16i 

7 

2 

189 

15 

J.  NlCUOLS,* 

8,  4 

2 

1 

144 

4  50 

16 

J.  Nichols, 

311 

3 

1 

1 

153 

17 

,  No  report. 

153 

18 

,  No  pastor,         [given. 

42! 

195 

9  50 

19 

Wir.'    Groom,    no    changes 
Wm.  Groom, 

9 

195 

1820 

177 

10  00 

21 

Wm.  Groom, 

9,  2 

4 

1 

183 

4  70 

22 

Wm.  Groom,*   qo   changes 
given  two  years. 

i 

183 

23 

Wm.  Groom,* 

183 

4  50 

24  Wm.  Groom,  supply, 

3j 

1 

150 

28  50 

26 

-,  No  pastor, 

20I  5 

2 

3 

5 

169 

15  53 

26 

— — ,         " 

3 

8 

163 

15  80 

27 

Wm.  Groom,* 

2    1 

3 

1 

162 

4  50 

■    28 

Wm.  Groom, 

8 

1 

1 

1 

1 

153 

10  52 

29 

Wm.  Groom, 

22;  4 

2 

1 

175 

5  27 

1830 

Wm.  Groom, 

i 

1 

5 

1 

204 

5  66 

31 

Wm.  Groom, 

V  2    1 

1 

1 

207 

13  22 

32 

Wm.  Groom, 

42 

6 

1 

7 

1 

2 

246 

50  86 

S3 

Wm.  Groom, 

90 

8 

1 

6 

1 

1 

314 

51  87 

34 

Wm.  Groob, 

1 

3 

4 

3 

317 

27  56 

35 

Wm.  Groom, 

1 

4 

18 

■2 

8 

288 

16  25 

36 

,  No  pastor. 

9 

1 

7 

271 

136  00 

37 

,    /.  Delaney,    E.    W. 

Allen, 

15 

18 

6 

1 

261 

119  07 

38 

Wm.  B.  Curtis,  E.  W.  Al- 

len, J.  Delanev,' 

34 

14 

3 

12 

1 

3 

296 

115  50 

39!  W.  B.  Curtis,  E.  W.  Allen, 

56 

6 

1 

23 

35 

273 

328  11 

1840 

W.  B.  Curtis,  E.  W.  Allen, 

12 

4 

6 

14 

266 

287  58 

41 

Wm.  B.  Curtis, 

18 

1 

6 

2 

4 

273 

255  10 

42 

L.  Salisbury,  D.  RobinsQN,* 

36 

6 

7 

8 

5 

285 

207  82 

43 

L.  Salisbury, 

16 

12 

27 

4 

2 

282 

28  85 

44 

C.  N.  Chandler, 

9 

1 

9 

11 

5 

207 

32  00 

45 

jO.  N.  Chandler, 

3 

19 

U 

7 

3 

268 

166  72 

.      46 

C.  N.  Chandler, 

29 

14 

U 

5 

4 

294 

135  58 

47 

C.  N.  Chandler, 

3 

9 

3 

•  6 

279 

278  50 

48 

,  No  pastor. 

2 

2 

20 

i 

5 

267 

207  10 

49 

IWm.  W.  Smith, 

5 

14 

G 

2 

268 

106  11 

18' 


390 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


BROADALBIN  church — continued. 

^ 

1 

^      1  tr^i  td)  Ol  0|  Wl  Ol    HI 

Monies 

1.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministees.        ,     §   1   g    ^ 

TIZ  D.'  'T.    "^^   ^^    1 

1 W     O     O     0 

FOR 

Benev. 

1850 

Wm.  W.  Smith, 

10  2      18 

2    271 

B123  91 

61 

Wm.  W.  Smith, 

746      2    6 

2    3    2    354 

119  03 

52 

Wm.  Gaenett, 

54         20  16|  8|  4|  284| 

225  02 

53 

1 

\     \     \         1 

CANAAN  (First)  church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  1793. 

1794 

^ 

85 

95 

Elisha  Barns, 

2 

37 

96 

E.  Barns, 

12 

83 

97 

E.  Barns, 

33 

98 

E.  Barns, 

1               1 

33 

99 

E.  Barns, 

1      32 

1800 

E.  Barns,* 

6              1 

1    1      35 

-' 

01 

E.  Barns,* 

15 

50 

02 

E.  Barns, 

20              2 

69 

03 

E.  Barns, 

22 

91 

5  IS 

04 

E.  Barns, 

7 

98 

05 

E.  Barns,* 

4              1 

1    1      99 

10  00 

06 

E.  Barns,* 

3               2 

2    2      96 

07 

— :—,  pastor  died  Aug.  1806, 

^ 

1    101 

6  31 

08 

-,  No  pastor, 

3 

3    101 

2  50 

09 

" 

8 

1    1U8 

2  00 

1810 

No  report, 

108 

11 

No  pastor. 

22             19 

1    111 

12 



" 

4 

115 

2  00 

18 

" 

1 

4    112 

14 

1 

•' 

112 

15 

No  report. 

38 

1 

16 

,  Nathaniel  Otis, 

60 

17 

N.  Otis, 

39              2 

87 

18 

N.  Otis, 

87 

2  OO 

19 

N.  Otis, 

12    4          1 

1    1      93 

2  00 

1820 

N.  Otis, 

6    2         2 

1      72 

21 

Ira  Ball, 

14              3 

2           92 

2  00 

22 

Ira  Hall, 

2    2         3 

1    2      90 

2  00 

23 

Ira  Hall, 

1 

1    2      83 

2  00 

24 

Ira  Hall, 

5 

1           88 

2  OO 

26 

Ira  Hall, 

3 

91 

5   00 

26 

Ira  Hall, 

2         1 

92 

8  00 

27 

Ira  Hall, 

6    1 

2      96 

5  68 

28  Edwin  Sandys,* 

20    5       11 

1    101 

8  62 

29 ,  No  pastor, 

3    1          1 

92 

5  70 

1830' , 

I 

1           91 

•EC.  in.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


391 


CANAAN,  church- 

— i 

CONTINUED. 

A.    D. 

Pastors  AND  MlNIBTEES. 

Bap 
nz'o 

i 

S 

o 

"  i 

>■ 

Monies 

FOB 

Bknkv. 

1831 
82 

,  No  pastor, 

,  dismissed  to  Stephen 

town  Association, 

12 

2 

12 

2 

2 

91 
82 

$1  00 

33 

Eber  Tucker, 

18 

8 

4 

1 

2 

105 

14  20 

34: 

E.  Tucker, 

1 

5 

2 

3 

106 

19  60 

35 
36 

,  No  pastor, 

David  Ford, 

1 

2 

4 
9 

2 

1 

100 
92 

12  12 
11  GO 

37 

Horace  Spenobr, 

2 

2 

2 

90 

38 

H.  Spencer, 

1 

1 

G 

3 

1 

82 

25  00 

39 

H.  Spencer, 

1 

81 

22  50 

1840 

H.  Spencer, 

1 

9 

1 

73 

34  75 

41 

E.  Sandys, 

3 

1 

5 

1 

71 

15  25 

42 

S.  Hatch.* 

2 

74 

17  50 

43 

S.  Hatch, 

14 

-7 

4 

1 

90 

21  50 

44 

S.  Hatch, 

2 

3 

1 

1 

95 

6  00 

45 

3.  Hatch, 

1 

2 

2 

95 

51  42 

46 

S.  Hatch,  this  church  is  now 
called  Flatbrook, 

1 

1 

1 

96 

50  00 

41 

S.  Hatch,* 

3 

4 

3 

5 

3 

98 

98  00 

48 

James  J.  Scareitt, 

2 

3 

1 

3 

18 

72 

37   25 

49 

J.  J.  SCARRITT, 

5 

1 

2 

1 

74 

69  81 

1850 

A.  A.  Russell, 

13 

2 

8 

1 

2 

78 

47  00 

51 

A.  A.  Russell, 

11 

1 

2 

2 

86 

46  10 

52  A.  A.  Russell, 

3 

7' 

1 

2 

77 

18  75 

CANAAN,  (Second)  church. 

N. 

Y 

•> 

const'd  in 

1813. 

1814 

Henrt  Palmer, 

3 

1 

37 

15 

H.  Palmer, 

37 

16 

H.  Palmer,*  ^No  report.) 

:^i 

17 

H.  Palmer, 

16 

6 

47 

18 

H.  Palmer,* 

4 

2 

1 

1 

45 

19 

H.  Palmer, 

2 

2 

49 

1820 

H.  Palmer, 

5 

4 

1 

2 

1 

64 

21 

H.  Palmer, 

31 

2 

1 

3 

1 

82 

22 

H.  Palmer, 

1 

1 

4 

1 

79 

23 

H.  Palmer,* 

2 

2 

1 

2 

71 

24 

H.  Palmer,* 

1 

2 

3 

1 

66 

25 

H.  Palmer, 

1 

8 

1 

1 

62 

26 

H.  Palmer, 

1 

1 

5 

62 

11  00 

27 

,  No  pastor, 

6 

1 

2 

53 

28 

,         " 

2 

2 

49 

29 

,  (No  report.) 

1830 

— — ,         " 

31 

,  No  pastor, 

12 

1 

1 

2 

46 

1  00 

392 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


CANAAN  (Second 

)  CHURCH 

— 

CONTINUED. 

A.    D. 

Pastoes  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
riz'D 

H 
H 

3 

7 

"6 

to 
o 

a' 

O 

3 
o 

> 

Monies 

FOR 

Benev. 

18S2 
33 

,  No  pastor, 

Eber  Tucker,  (i  time.) 

IS 
6 

11 

3 

1 

1 
1 

69 
67 

5  00 

34 

E.  Tucker,  (j  time.) 

1 

2 

1 

6G    10  53 

85 

H,  Palmer,  I.  S.  Giffoed, 

6 

1 

2 

6 

1 

70 

36 

H.  Palmer,  I.  S.  Gifford, 

3 

3 

64 

13  33 

37 

H.  Palmkr,  I.  S.  Gifford, 

1 

4 

4 

1 

62 

38 

I.  S.  Gifford,  H.  Palmer, 

19 

5 

3 

1 

82 

5  37i 

39 

W.    I.    LooMis,  H.  Palmer, 

F.  S.  Parke, 

4 

1 

15 

2 

2 

67 

1  90 

1840 

W.  I.  LooMis,  H.  Palmer, 

8 

3 

1 

75 

27  04 

41 

J.  D.  Rogers,  H.  Palmer, 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

79 

4  00 

42  W.  I.  LooMis,  H.  Palmke, 

1 

1 

1 

4 

6 

1 

72 

-43  S.  Hatch.  (^  time,) 

9 

2 

5 

1 

2 

64 

10  97 

44  J.    W.    Staukweather,  H. 

>     ;-,  ' 

•i  Palmer, 

1 

3 

1 

62 

11  00 

:46 

J;    W.    Starkweather,  H. 

Palmer, 

2 

1 

8 

1 

2 

52 

22  80 

46 

,  Henry  Palmer,* 

1 

2 

1 

50 

10  00 

47 

Platt  Betts, 

1 

49 

5  00 

48 
■     49 

,  (No  report,) 

P.  Betts, 

1 

1 

49 
41 

15   18 

1850  P.  Betts, 

1 

1 

40 

16  75 

61  |-- ,  No  report,) 

5'2  -Levis  Sellick, 

8 

2 

5 

I  1    3 

40 
33 

gHARLOTTEVILLE  church 

u. 

c. 

,  const'd  in  1803. 

1804' 

;    .United  vnth    associa- 
.  tion. 

30 

05 

,  No  pastor. 

11 

41 

06 

Tittis  Finch,* 

17 

12 

•4 

1 

42 

07 

T.  Finch,* 

11 

1 

52 

08 

T.  Finch,* 

12 

1 

(^8 

09 

T.  Finch,* 

8 

45 

1810 

T.  Finch,* 

20 

3 

5 

57 

11 

T.  Finch, 

5 

6 

1 

1 

54 

12 

T.  Finch,*  (No  rep 

urt,) 

54 

13 

T.  Finch,* 

54 

14 

T.  Finch,* 

54 

15 

T.  Finch,* 

54 

16 

T.FlN.CH,* 

54 

17 

— .— ,  A  letter  by  Elder  La- 

1 

batt. 

63 

18 

,  No  pastor.  Letter, 

63 

00  il9 

Dism'd  to  Can.  Conference. 



__ 

I 

SEC.  III.] 


CHUKCHES  :    STATISTICS, 


39i 


CHATHAM  Church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  1795. 


t-i  ft: 

c 

o 

K 

o 

H 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

1 

o 

o 

5 

1 

'  Benet. 
Monies 

so 

o' 

d' 

o' 

o' 

1796 

,  United  this  year, 

26 

97 

,  No  pastor, 

12 

1 

1 

36 

98 

Job  Champion, 

9 

1 

1 

43 

99 

J.  Champion, 

6 

2 

1 

46 

1800 

J.  Champion, 

12 

2 

56 

01 

J.  Champion,* 

2 

5 

2 

2 

48 

oa 

J.  Champion, 

5 

1 

42 

03 

J.  Champion, 

1 

3 

2 

38 

$6  00 

04 

J.  Champion, 

4 

3 

39 

05 

J.  Champion, 

2 

3 

38 

7  43 

06 

J.  Champion, 

2 

2 

38 

4  75 

07 

J.  Champion, 

2 

2 

2 

36 

5  68 

08 

J.  Champion,* 

1 

1 

86 

6  00 

09 

J.  Champion,  H.  Palmer, 

4 

2 

1 

1 

36 

6  00 

1810 

J.  Champion,* 

4 

5 

2 

35 

4  07 

11 

J.  Champion,* 

3 

1 

1 

36 

4  98 

12 

J.  Ch/>mpion, 

36 

5  00 

13 

J.  Champion, 

1 

2 

35 

3  50 

14 

J   Champion, 

1 

34 

4  00 

15 

J.  Champion, 

4 

38 

6  00 

16 

J.  Champion,*  (No  report,) 

38 

17 

— — ,  No  pastor. 

86 

18 

Ebastds  Doty, 

10 

8 

1 

1 

43 

4  00 

19 

,  No  pastor. 

3 

] 

6 

1 

42 

1  00 

1820 

1 

41 

21 

,  Wm.  E.    Waterbury, 

,  Wm.  E.     Waterbury, 

4 

3 

1 

1 

45 

1   00 

22 

Samuel  Hare, 
,  Wm.  E.  Waterbury,  S. 

S 

1 

47 

23 

Hare, 

1 

1 

2 

1 

44 

2  00 

24 

,  Wm.  E.  Waterbury, 

1 

1 

41 

25 

Wm.  E.  Wateebuey, 

4 

1 

36 

1  00 

26 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

3 

1 

32 

1   00 

27 

,         '* 

1 

31 

28 

,        "    (a  letter  sent ) 

2 

1 

28 

29 

,  (No  report,) 

1830 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

1 

30 

31 

,        "        (letter  sent.) 

2 

1 

6 

1 

26 

32 

Philip  Roberts,  jr 

16 

14 

1 

2 

1 

54 

4  00 

33 

P.  Roberts,  jr. 

5 

1 

26 

1 

37 

2  00 

34 

P.  Roberts,  jr. 

1 

1 

36 

7  00 

85 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

11 

5 

2 

41 

24  26 

36 

Isaac  S.  Gifford, 

6 

J 

1 

47 

9  60 

394 


SHAFTRBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix  . 


CHATHAM  Chukch — continued. 


-   ;  ■-      -;    :- 

t- 

p:  t' 

O 

P3 

a 

Benevo 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministkes. 

Bap- 
t'izd 

1 

to 

en 

Q 

Si 

O 

49 

LENT 

Monies 

1837 

I.  S.  Gii  roRD, 

6 

4 

38 

1.  S.  Giri'ORD, 

15 

3 

1 

4 

2 

fr8 

9   25 

89 

Frederick  S.  Parke, 

8 

5 

5 

1 

70 

7   00 

1840 

Wm.  I.  LooMis,  (i  time,) 

8 

3 

1 

'?4 

9  50 

41 

Wm.  I.  LoOMIS, 

2 

6 

2 

1 

79 

8   25 

42lP.  W.  Ameler, 

8 

12 

2 

74 

43|P.  W.  Ambler, 

20 

2 

3    5 

1 

88 

44iP    W.  Amblkr, 

4 

1 

6 

1 

1 

85 

45  H.    CORNWELI., 

5 

2 

5 

2 

5 

80 

18   66 

4f)  Harvey  Ccrnwei.l, 

1 

7 

1 

3 

70 

5   07 

47jH.  CORNWKLL, 

481 ,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

1 

R 

fi7 

11   76 

5 

5 

1 

66 

5   57 

49iLKWis  Selleck,  S.  Hatch  * 

i 

*? 

1 

78 

206  25 

-1850 

L.  Selleck,  S.  Hatch, 

10 

3 

2 

8 

1 

1 

83 

36  0!) 

51 

L.  Selleck,  S.  Hatch,* 

2 

1 

216 

o 

68 

32  00 

•      52 

A.  Virgil, 

3 

2 

8 

2 

58 

16  00 

CHESHIRE,   (First)  church, Mass.,  const'd  1770. 


1781 

86 
67 
88 
89 
1790 
91 
92 
93 

y^^  -94 
95 

'  '■  96 
■  97 
98 
99 
1800 
01 
02 

J'-:    03 

^•-  04 


0<  0  = 
'••  06 
i'^  07 


Peter  Wkrden,  an  original 

church.                       [now, 

P.  Weuden,  (No  minutes  till 

4 

2 

2 

4 

117 

P.  Werden,  (No  minutes,) 

P.  Weuden, 

4 

2 

A 

1 

83 

P.  Wkrden, 

81 

1 

4 

1 

168 

P.  Werden,  (No  minutes,) 

177 

P.  Werden, 

16 

8 

8 

1 

176 

P.  Werden,  (No  minutes,) 

196 

P.  Werden, 

2 

29 

13 

lb4 

P.  Werden, 

3 

24 

5 

2 

12o 

P.  Werden, 

I 

6 

7 

115 

P.  Werden, 

9 

3 

1 

102 

P.  Werden, 

1 

14 

2 

87 

P.  Werden, 

9 

78 

P.  AVerden, 

23 

54 

P.  Werden, 

13 

19 

3 

64 

P.  Werden, 

9 

2 

3 

1 

67 

P.  Werden, 

3 

64 

P.  Werden, 

7 

1 

2 

54 

2  95 

P.  Werden, 

12 

66 

1   25 

P.  Werden, 

4 

1 

1 

68 

P.  Werden,* 

3 

1 

70 

1  00 

P.  Werden, 

2 

6 

3 

1 

fftf 

J_  5  00 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


395 


CHESHIRE  CHURCH — continued. 


A.  D.l      I'astors  &  Ministers. 

1 

Bap- 

tiz'd 

1-1 

c 

53 

g 

o 

o 

a 
3 

H 
> 

MOMKS 
FOR 

1- 

H 

o 

o 
2 

a 

a 
2 

S 

bknkv't. 

1808' ,  Pastor  died  in  Feb. 

7 

59 

09' , 

7 

4 

3 

45 

1810—, 

2 

2 

2 

43 

1  1  BAKTIMD3  BeAMAN, 

3 

3 

43 

$11  66 

12 

B.  Beaman,*  (No  report,) 

43 

13 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

9 

2 

1 

39 

14 

,         " 

20 

1  00 

15 

] 

36 

16 

Samuel  Bloss, 

1 

8 

1 

33 

17 

S.  Bloss, 

5 

1 

37 

18 

S.  Bloss,* 

37 

19 

,  No  report  further.) 

ADAMS  (South)    church, t    Mass.,  constituted  about 
1825-8. 


1829 

1830 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

1840 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1850 
51 
52 


,  Letter  sent, 

,  No  pastor, 

Henrt  F.  Baldwin, 

Elnathan  Sweet,  ^  time, 

E.  Sweet,  i  the  time, 

E.  Sweet,         " 

E.  Sweet,         " 

E.  Sweet,         " 

E.  Sweet,* 

E.  Sweet, 

E.  Sweet,* 

E.  Sweet,  (J  the  time,) 

E.  Sweet,  " 

E.  Sweet,  " 

,  Wm.  If.  Young, 

Wm.  I.  LoOMis,* 
W.  I.  LoOMIS, 
W.  L  LooMis, 
George  E.  Fuller,* 
G.  E.  Fuller, 
Stillman  B.  Grant, 
S.  B.  Grant,* 
S.  B.  Grant, 
S.  B.  Grant, 
f  This  church  i.«i  a  branch  or  successor  to  l.st  Cheshire. 


2 

101 

1 

47 

4    5 

3 

2 

53 

2'  2 

1 

56 

10'  7 

9 

64 

!  3 

3 

3 

61 

1 

1 

2 

59 

9 

5 

6 

64 

1 

6 

7 

3 

60 

1 

4 

5 

2 

52 

3;   3 

6 

1 

50 

6j   1 

2 

1 

53 

4 

4 

1 

2 

50 

ll 

1 

50 

13!   4 

2 

6 

62 

5    4 

1 

1 

07 

1    1 

31 

66 

4    1 

2 

.3!, 

59 

3    1 

1 

1 

1 

62 

1 

2 

60 

4    8 

1 

9 
6 

1 

1 

6-2 
58 

5    6 

4 

69 

4I  7 

1 

3' 

2 

2 

7J 

6 

3 

1 

73 

4  60 

15  OV 

4  54 

10  12 

3  00 


1  62 


5  02 


1  80 
7  01 


8  8*^^ 


7  75 


age 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


CHESHIRE  (Third)  church 

,  Mass. 

,  gonst'd  in 

1788. 

Y^ 

?d  Oi  Oi  Ml  D 

H 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

tiz'd 

P3 

o 

o 

> 

lent 
Monies 

1789 

Nathan  Mason, 

44 

1790 

N.  Mason, 

63 

107 

91 

N.  Mason,* 

16 

!  4 

6 

1 

112 

92 

N.  Mason,  (No  minutes,) 

18 

! 

130 

93 

John  Leland,  N.  Mason,* 

38 

8 

2 

163 

94 

J.  Leland,  N.  Mason,* 

16 

3 

1 

1 

174 

95 

J.  Leland,  N.  Mason,* 

4 

1 

4 

2 

173 

96 

J.  Leland,  N.  Mason  * 

26 

1 

2 

1 

197 

97 

J.  Leland,  N.  Mason,* 

1 

2 

3 

191 

98 

J.  Leland,  N.  Mason,* 

3 

3 

1 

190 

99 

J.  Leland,    N.  Mason,*   J. 

GODDARD,*       [GODDARD,* 

190 

1800 

J.  Leland,*  N.  Mason,*   J. 

214 

8 

2 

1 

894 

01 

J.  Leland,*   N.  Mason,*  J. 

GoDDARD,*       [GoDDARD,* 

9 

12 

4 

2 

383 

02 

J.  Leland,*  N.  Mason,*    J. 

4 

25 

4 

5 

353 

03 

J.  Leland.  A.  Seamans,*  J. 

Goddard,* 

3 

4 

6 

4 

343 

04 

J.  Leland,*  A.  Seamans,* 

J.  Goddard,*  S.  J  ones,* 

1 

12 

3 

3 

326 

05 

1 

18 

1 

3 

804 

$2  12 

06 

J.  Leland,*  L.  Covell, 

1 

10 

1 

2 

291 

1  00 

07 

,  J.  Leland, 

10 

12 

1 

3 

286 

4  00 

08 

J.  Leland, 

10 

4 

4 

263 

09 

No  report, 

263 

1810 

13 

2 

1 

220 

11 

1 

5 

1 

2 

213 

44  15 

12 

213 

2  00 

13 

213 

14 

6 

11 

1 

2 

204 

15 

1 

8 

2 

194 

4  80 

16 

4 

2 

188 

17 

Church   dropped  by 

vote  of  the  Association, 

5 

6 

1 

3 

199 

1826 

Elnathan  Sweet,  returned, 

30 

26 

E.  Sweet,                   [Body, 

3 

2 

1 

34 

1  00 

29 

E.  SwKET,      (In    Berkshire 

2 

1 

45 

2  60 

1880 

E.  Sweet, 

44 

1  00 

31 

E.  Sweet, 

43 

32 

E.  Sweet, 

7 

50 

83 

E.  Swket, 

1 

1 

2 

45 

1  00 

34 

Church  dissolved. 

1852lF.   S.   Park.    J.    Vincent. 

99 

17  00 

Lu 

aited  with  Berkshire. 

SEC.  HI.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


397 


LANESBORO'  church,!  Mass. 

const'd 

ABOUT 

1818. 

• 

c- 

?3  O 

C 

K 

"c" 

H 

Benevo- 

A. I).      Pastoks  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

1 

i 

a 

O 

Q 

5 

s 

lent 

i'iz'd 

•-5 

P3^ 

H 

a" 

o 

*> 

c 

Monies 

1819  — ,  Joinel  Weatbeltl  Assoc. 

"" 

18 

1821 ,  No  pastor, 

^ 

1 

20 

23  Augustus  Beach,* 

3 

28 

2i  A.  Beach,*  No  report, 

28 

25  A.  Beach,                      [tion, 

1 

29 

28 ,  In  Berkshire  Associa- 

35 

'29 ,  No  report, 

35 

1830 ,  No  pastor, 

35 

31  Wakeman  G,  Johnson-, 

10 

7 

38 

$10  00 

32  W.  G.  Johnson, 

45 

6 

1 

88 

29  56 

33  W.  G.  Johnson, 

6 

5 

77 

9  93 

34  W.  G.  Johnson, 

18 

1 

1 

1 

95 

22  38 

35  W.  G.  Johnson, 

6 

3 

1 

96 

17  58 

36 , 

10 

1 

78 

37iJoHN  V.  Ambler. 

1 

3 

3 

80 

8  52 

38 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

3 

1 

4 

2 

75 

17  00 

39 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

2 

2 

1 

1 

74 

25  66 

1840 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

6 

2 

1 

1 

1 

77 

17  76 

41 

J.  V.   AMBLEft, 

1 

2 

7 

1 

2 

70 

40  25 

42 

J.  V.  Ambler,* 

6 

3 

2 

78 

19  50 

43 

J.  V.  Amblee, 

7 

3 

3 

1 

2 

81 

19  5R 

44 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

1 

80 

20  75 

45 

Josiah  Torrey  Smith, 

5 

3 

4 

78 

4  00 

46| ,  No  pastor, 

5 

1 

2 

70 

•20  25 

47 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

3 

3 

2 

1 

73 

32  00 

48 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

11 

1 

4 

1 

80 

30  00 

49 

J,  V.  Ambleb.W.  S.  Knapp,* 

3 

1 

82 

50  00 

1850 

J.  V.  Ambler,  W.  S.  Knapp,* 

22 

1 

1 

9 

1 

1 

70 

46  00 

61 

J.  V.  Amblee, 

6 

2 

62 

62  00 

52 

J.  V.  Ambler, 

6 

1 

55 

42  77 

t  Lauesboro'  is  a  branch,  we  believe,  of  the  3d  Cheshire  church. 
CHESTERFIELD  church,  Mass.,  const'd  in  1780. 


1785 
86 
87 


1791 
92 
93 
94 
95 


— ,  No  report, 

— ,  No  miautes, 

,  No  report, 

,  Drop'd  from  ininuteS; 

Ebenezbr  Vining, 

E.  ViNING, 

E.  Vining, 
E.  Vining, 
E.  Vining,*  No  report. 


331 
33 
33 
33 

31 

37 
43 
45 
45 


IS) 


sm 


SHAFTSBCJRY  ASSOCIATION. 


[ArrtNjyiX. 


CHESTERFIELD  church— continued. 


Bap 

tiz'd. 

tr< 

EC 

tl 

O 

K 

C 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

P5 

0 

3 

s 

a" 

o 

a 

o 

a 

2 

FOR 

Benev. 

96 

E.    VlNING, 

2 

47 

97 

E.  ViNiNG,*  No  report, 

47 

98 

E.  ViNISG  * 

47" 

99 

E.  VlNlNG, 

27 

4 

2 

2 

70 

1800 

E.  VlNlNG, 

18 

7 

1 

80 

01|E.  ViNiNG,*  No  report, 

80 

02 

E.  ViNING  * 

80 1 

Co 

Asa  Todd, 

9 

3 

1 

86i 

04 

Asa  Todd,* 

8 

94 

05 

A.  Todd, 

7 

3 

1 

97 

06 

A.  Todd,* 

32 

6 

1 

129 

07 

A.  Todd, 

5 

4 

iso'i 

08 

A.  TODD,* 

89 

4 

4 

1-62  i 

09 

A.  Todd,* 

8& 

4 

4 

19S 

1810 

A.  Todd,* 

6 

3 

1 

195 

Jl 

A.  Todd,  DisMiissed  to  the 

Westfield  Association  in 

181-2. 

2 

1 

196 

19 

,  Asa  Todd, 

U 

2 

2 

131 

1821 

1 

2 

128 

28 

Paul  Huiks, 

47 

2 

3 

1 

1 

194i 

24 

1 

1 

99 

82 

25 

1 

2 

2 

77! 

21 

Asa  Todd, 

2 

4 

69      |1  00 

28 

5 

2 

1 

70 

1836 

Nathamel  M'CULtOCH, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

110 

37 

D.  Brown,* 

5 

99 

1852 

F.  Bestor, 

2 

3 

6 

72 

CHESTER  CHURCH,    Warren  County,  N.   Y. 
TUTED   IN    1796, 


1798 
99 

18110 
(II 
02 
03 
04 
05 

1852 


Jehiel  Foje, 

J.  Fox,- 

J.  Fox. 

J.  Fox, 

J.  Fox, 

J.  Fox,*  No  report, 

J.  Fox,* 

J.  Fox. 

A.  D.  MiLNF, 


S4 

1 

3 

57 

87 

8 

10 

2 

2 

81 

44 

3 

1 

121 

56 

9 

168 
168 

18 

39 

8 

3 
4 

4 

156 
151 
108 

CONSTI- 


2  00 


This  church  was  dismissed  in  1805,  and  united  in'formjng  the  Lake. 
GeorjTp  Association  in  1809. 


■SEC.  III.j 


CHDSCHF.fi  :    STATISTICS. 


3 '.(3 


CLIFTON  PARK  church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  1795. 

1 D    "    1   t" 

?:  O  fel  C 

H    [   iloNlES 

A.    D 

Pastors  and  Ministirs. 

Bap    2 

i  i  - 

p: 

:;^        FOR    . 

nzD  "=, 

-s,  s!    r 

!:     T> 

f3 

O     D     t5~ 

r      Benev. 

n96 

,  N'o  pastoi-, 

30  i 

97 

,         " 

5 

1 

82! 

98 

,         '• 

6 

38l 

99 

,         " 

6 

1 

361 

i80(J 

,  tio  repost, 

36i 

01 

Abijah  Peck, 

86 

0 

69j 

02jA.  Peck, 

9 

2    1 

75    $  5  m 

Os!     Do. 

36 

111'     20  30 

04  j     Do. 

7 

8    1 

1 

113i      20  03 

05      Do. 

14 

127      25  01 1 

06      Do.     Elisha  Carpenter, 

1] 

138      21   61 

07      Do.                  do.* 

19 

1    2 

154      30  92 

08     Do.* 

21 

3 

4 

168      21   00 

09 

Do. 

52 

2    1 

1 

216      42  53 

1810 

Do. 

62 

1    3 

5 

273      47  00 

11 

Do.     Jacob  St.  John, 

32 

4 

301      63  26 

12 

Do. 

8    i 

4 

293      38   10 

13 

Do. 

8 

5    5 

8 

278      27   00 

14 

Do. 

1 

3 

1 

275!     24  00 

15 

Do.    J.  St.  John,  W.  Groom, 

17 

4    5 

2 

28r     58  26 

16 

Do.*  Wm.  Groom,* 

18 

!       1 

4 

294      30  42 

17 

Do.            do.* 

19 

1 

4 

3('9!     27   04 

18 

Do.            do.* 

17 

3 

323j     27  01 

19 

Do.            do. 

59    5 

1    4 

1 

379!     52  29 

1820 

Do.     Job  Champios,* 

35    3 

4 

2 

411      34  22 

21 

Do.             do. 

23    2 

37 

7 

3921     29  57 

22 

Do.             do.                 [pioN, 

4    1 

6 

1 

390 

!     83  00 

23 

Do.     E.  D.  HuBBELL,  Cham- 

8    6 

80    4 

5    365 

i     35  IS 

24 

Do.*               do.               do.* 

4  -6 

6    1 

4 

36.'i 

32  75 

25 

Do.                 do.              do. 

65    5 

10    5 

4 

404 

79  12 

26 

Do.*              do.              do. 

24    5 

2    5 

2 

424 

45  39 

27 

Do.*               do.               do.* 

4    4 

9    2 

2 

301 

53  94 

28 

■Do.*               do.               do.* 

4    2 

5    2 

4 

295 

51   62 

29 

Do.*               do.               do.* 

2    2 

8    5 

7 

283 

35  04 

1330 

Do.                 do.              do* 

]    3 

4    5 

4 

274 

31 

1)0.*               do.               do  * 

35    4 

1    5  13 

2 

801 

43  3^ 

82 

Do.*               do.               do.* 

37  11 

1    4    3 

7    339 

40  36 

33 

Do.*               do.               do.* 

8  10 

8    4 

3    3-12 

56  55 

34 

Do.*               do,               do.* 
Dismissed  to  Saratoga  Assoc. 

31  tl 

3    9    2 

2    3?1 

38  26 

35 

A.  Peck,  J.  Champion,* 

138 

49  50 

36 

Do.            do.*     S.  POMEEOT,* 

8    7 

14    2 

] 

131 

48  "ftiO 

37 

Do.         do.                 do. 

80    1 

1  1.0    1 

2 

172 

268  21 

38 

Do         do. 

8    2 

2  10    2 

9    136 

51   111) 

400 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


CLIFTON  PARK  Church— conti.nued. 


A.  D.  Pastors  anti  !JTtmstei;s. 

1 
1 

Bap- 

TIZ'U 

r 

pa 

PS   O 

o 

1839' A.  Peck, 

18 

4 

4 

1 84:0  A.  Peck,*  F.  S.  Pakke.* 

11 

n 

4 

1 

41 

A.  Peck,*  F.  S.  Parkt„  J. 

Champion, 

25 

5 

1 

10 

42 

A.  Peck,  F.  S.  Parke,* 

2 

4 

6 

43 

A.  Pkck,*  F.  S.  Paekk, 

30 

5 

2 

7 

44 

A.  l^i.cK,  F.  S.  Paeke, 

1 

1 

2 

45 

A.  Peck,  F.  S.  Parke, 

■7 

4 

4(i 

A.  Peck,  F.  S.  Pakke, 

2 

6 

4 

47 

A.  Peck,*  F.  S.  Parke, 

1 

6 

48  A.  Peck,*  F.  S.  Pakke, 

1 

2 

1 

4 

49  F.  S.  Paeke, 

15 

8 

4 

8 

1 850  F.  S.  Pauke, 

6 

2 

3 

51  J.  VV.  Crumb,  Wm.  Groom, 

1 

2 

5 

52 

J.  W.  Crumb,  Wm.  Groom, 

4 

5 

9 

Monies 

FOR 

Benev. 

3 

l.'il 

f 692  28 

2 

16G 

107  50 

1 

194 

134  76 

4 

186 

879  81 

4 

208 

103  25 

3 

20.') 

184  62 

3 

200 

150  26 

2 

199 

198  77 

2 

190 

229  19 

2 

188 

262  39 

5 

192 

211  00 

2 

193 

197  5D 

3 

186 

232  70 

6 

187 

313  12 

N.  B.— In  1827,  118  were  dropped. 


BURNT  BILLS,  Cnvncu,^  'N.  Y.,const'din  1820. 


~~  |[Tljis  church  called  Bdllstonl 

!     South  part,  at  first.]         | 

1821  iBradbiiri/   Claif,  1 

22  IB.  Clay,"* 

23  i ,  No  pastor. 

25  iNathan  N.  Whiting, 
20  N".  N.  Whiting, 

27  j-JoHN  Harris,  E  Tucker,* 

28  J.  Harris, 

29  j J.  Harris, 
1830  J.  Harris, 

31  J.  Harris, 

32  J.  Harris, 

33  J.  Harris, 

34  J.  H  -rris, 

35  i-J.  Harris, 

36  I •,  No  pastor, 

37  Wm.  Mci'AUTV, 

38  J.  S.  McCoLLOM, 

39  J.  S.  McCoLLOJi, 
1840  J.  S.  McC>i.LOM, 

41  J.  W.  Gree.v, 

42  J.  W.  Green, 

43  John  Goaddv,  J.  W.  Green 

44  |j.  GOAOBY, 


4  3 

6  5 

i  5 

3212 

2  7 

3  5 
2  4 


10  6 
17;  4^ 
22i  4 
75|  9 
15  5 


401 


19;  9 

2;  2 
llSll 

6;  5 

7i  2 

30  21 

3'  2I 


10 

36 

4 

5 

IC 

37 

6 

4 

2I  4 

ll 


11  1 
2'  3 


401 

45i 

ssi 

59 
991 
103: 
1091 
109' 
106 
99 
111 
127! 
148 
223! 
228 
190 
229 
248 


3|  li  237 
190 
169 
170 
182 
165 


%i   50 


2  03 

21  54 
7  8.4 

27  90 

22  08 
56  SI 
32  72 
46  55 
20  28 
66  50 
70  55 

139  41 
64  60 

132  I5 
56  05 
62  I9 

105  49 


SEC,  ni.] 


CHURCHES  ;    STATISTICS. 


401 


BURNT  HILLS  cHURCHt — continued. 


txl 

to  O 

n 

t=3 

rt 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  <fe  Ministers. 

liAP- 

tiz'd 

•< 

£-1 

2 

15 

58 
O 

a" 

o 

> 

FOE 

Benkv. 

45 

J.  GOADBY, 

4 

1 

136 

95  88 

46 

J.  GOADBV, 

1 

7 

2 

128 

164  74 

47 

J.  GoADBY, 

1 

2 

1 

1 

2 

2 

113 

130  12 

48 

•J.  GoADBY, 

2 

2 

111 

208  95 

49 

,  Wm.  C.  Phillips, 

3 

7 

5 

1 

101 

232  83 

1850 

W.  C.  Phillips, 

1 

1 

8 

2 

5 

99 

137  27 

51 

W.  C.  Phillips, 

1 

6 

2 

1 

1 

101 

208  20 

52 

Alfred  Harvey, 

2 

2 

8 

1 

4 

93 

203  99 

GLEMVILLE,  Church,!  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  1840. 


1840 

,  (Formed  June  20th,) 

48( 

$5  00 

41 

J.  S.  McCollom, 

15 

4 

67| 

21  50 

42 

H.   G.  MOSHIER, 

10 

5 

5 

1 

1 

75' 

8  50 

43 

H.   G.  MOSHIEK, 

25 

7 

1 

2 

2 

107 

6  00 

44 

H.  G.  MOSHIER, 

6 

2 

1 

2 

102 

45 

,  No  pastoi', 

6 

3 

93! 

7  00 

46 

,  No  report, 

1 

98i 

47 

H.  G.  Day, 

2 

6 

6 

2 

82' 

48 

H.  G.  Day.* 

4 

86, 

49 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

S4| 

18  25 

50 

Wm.  Bowen, 

12 

6 

5 

2 

3 

95 

13   30 

51 

A.  ViEGIL, 

1 

3 

7; 

1 

91 

5  29 

1852 

,  A.  Virgil, 

23 

4 

6 

6    1 

105 

10  9U 

HALFMOON,    (Second)    church,!   constituted    in 
1841. 


1841  D.    S.    Parmelke,   (Set   off 
I     from  1  Halfmoon,) 

42  Frederick  S.  Paeke,* 

43  Wm.  Grant, 
44,  W.  Grant,  J.  W.  Green, 
45iD.  S.  Parmelee,  Green, 
46,0.  H.  Capron,  Parmelee,* 
47 1 G.  S.  Stockwell,  Green,* 
48  Israel  Keach,  Gkeen,* 
4^  I.  Keach,  Geef.n,* 

1850  I.  Keach, 

5 1  j  J.  D.  Greene,  I.  Keach, 

52  |J.  D.  Geesne,  I.  Keach. 


2 

62 

! 

1 

7 

1 

16 

6 

;  1 

1 

4 

;  2 

4 

5 

lie 

5 

2 

4 

2 

3 

1 

6 

7 

2 

1 

2 

3 

2 

34 

9 

4 

!  ^ 
!  5 

5 

7 

1 

1 

8 

1 

1  1 

2 

54 

61 

81 
86: 
78 
76 
72 
75 
109 
107 
95 
96 


$21  87 
42  92 


12 

25 

24 

16 

31 

00 

25 

50 

38 

25 

80 

61 

69 

38 

65 

43 

219  00 

19' 


402 


SHAFTSUURy  ASSOCIATION. 


[appkndix. 


HALFMOONy  (First)  CnuECHt,  N.  Y.,  constituted  in 
1834. 


A.    D 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 

t'izd 

t- 
10 

?:   D  D 

1  ii 

X, 

o 

> 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 

1835 

Elisha  D.  Hubbell, 

43 

«l 

2 

190, 

$20  00 

36 

Asa  H.  Palmer, 

34 

9 

8        8 

2 

223 

97  25 

37 

A.    H.    Palmer,     (Eld.    P. 

1 

1     soon  died.) 

15 

4 

12 

1 

3 

206 

78  00 

38  D.  S.  Paumelkk, 

27 

13 

3 

5 

2 

^36 

96  06 

39  D.  S.  Parmelee, 

8 

8 

14 

5 

228 

103  50 

1840  D.  S.  Parmelee, 

76 

9 

10 

2 

2 

299 

215  62 

41  D.  S.  Parmelee, 

36 

4 

1 

72 

3 

3 

247 

112  88 

42jD.  S.  Parmelee, 

26 

5 

1 

23 

1 

6 

252 

98  92 

43'D.  S,  Parmelep, 

38 

2 

15 

I   1 

5 

272 

61   63 

44JD.  S.  Parmelee. 

2 

S 

15 

14 

4 

244 

94  S8 

45|D.  S.  Parmelee, 

4 

2 

6 

20 

224 

106  00 

461G.    S.  SlOCKWELL,* 

2 

3 

223 

84  63 

4'7iG.   S.    Stockwell,  [Disiii'd 

429 

8 

4 

19.M 

45  00 

1  to  Hud.  River  Association.] 

1 

48;Gardner  C.  Tripp," 

150 

18  31 

49  G.  C.  Tuipp, 

35 

4 

1!   5 

3 

180 

210  62 

1850  J.  D.  Greene, 

2 

6 

1  ^ 

3 

l(i9 

14  54 

51iJ.  D.  Greene, 

5 

1 

6 

!  2 

3 

104 

114  78 

62iJ.  D.  Gree.ve, 

3 

9 

1 

157 

260  05 

r)3|E.  Lucas, 

16 

e 

2 

11 

2 

'  168 

90  (.0 

\  These  four  churches  are  branches  of  the  Clifton  Park  church. 


CLINTON  CHURCH,  Canada  West,  constituted  in 
1807. 


1808 



No  pastor, 

09 

"        Letter  sent, 

9 

1810 

"                 " 

3 

11 

(1                 ii 

5 

12 

"         Letter, 

13 

No  report  during  the 

14 

"          '•         [war, 

1.5 

A  letter. 

IC 

No  report. 

17 

John  Upfold,^ 

18 

J.  Upkold, 

15 

19 

Dismissed   to    the    Clinton 
Conference  .Canada  West. 

SEC.  III.3 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


408 


COLERAIN  (Second)  church,  Mass.,  const'd  1790. 

1 

t-i  533  O 

o  tsi 

O     H  1 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers,    i      ,  ' 

|tiz  1) 

1 

o 

n 
r 

n 

a 

$ 
f 

for 
Benkv. 

1791 

Edmund  Littlefield, 

1 

17 

92 

E.  Littlefield,  No  miuutes, 

20 

93 

E.  Littlefield, 

20 

94 

,  Dismissed  to  the  Ley- 
den  Association  in  1794. 

1 

21 

1824 

Edward  Davenport, 

3 

46 

25 

E.  Davenport, 

46 

1836 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

2 

1 

3 

40 

87  Thomas  Marshall, 

3 

371 

38  |Nathaniel  Ripley, 

:     1 

36; 

1852  ,  No  pastor, 

i 

30 

DOVER  (First)  Church, 

N.  Y.,  CONSTITUTED  IN  1757. 

Ouce  called  Pawlingstown, 

1789 

t?AMUEL  Waldo, 

65 

1790 

S.  Waldo,  No  minutes, 

70 

91 

S.  Waldo, 

2 

68 

92 

S.  Waldo, 

24 

92 

93 

S.  Waldo, 

10 

102 

1846 

Johnson  Howard, in  Dutch- 
ess Association, 

2 

83 

47 

J.  Howard, 

1 

82 

48 

J.  Howard, 

84 

49 

John  Warren,  Sen., 

80 

1850 

J.  Warren,  Sen., 

1 

76 

51 

J.  Warren,  Sen., 

1 

71 

EGREMONT   Church,  Mass.— Constituted  in  1787. 


I  [Called  Great  Barrington  for 
years.] 
1794  Jeduthan  Gray, 

95' J.  Gray,* 

96 j J.  Gray, 

97  J.  Gray, 

98|J.  Gray. 

99  J.  Gray, 
ISOO^J.  Gray,* 

OlJ.  Gray. 

02  J.  Gray, 

03  J.  Gray, 

04  J.  Gray. 
05' J.  Geay,*  No  report, 


1 

i 

73 

6 

2 

1 

76 

13 

1 

2 

86 

8 

1 

2 

1 

90 

6 

4 

1 

91 

24 

2 

2 

111 

29 

8 

1 

1 

130 

3 

2 

8 

123 

4 

5 

1 

121 

1 

9 

3 

1 

108 

1 

|5 

8 

101 

1 

1011 

404 


SIIAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


EGREMONT  Church,  Continued. 

-,        n  ?:  o 

c  cq  c    ^ 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

1 

3ap-  «    «    I 

IZ  D    "3-    "-    *. 

f    X     C      q 
o    o     w       H 

foe 
BaNEV. 

SO     D     3 

o-  o           ^ 

06- 

,  No  pastor, 

12              2 

3    2    108 

07- 

,  No  pastor, 

6              4 

110 

$3  50 

08. 

OHN  Nichols,* 

3              5 

2    2    103 

1   75 

09  I 

'.  Nichols, 

10              4 

2    1    105 

1   26 

1810. 

.  Nichols,* 

10              6 

2    1    109 

11. 

!.  Nichols,  D.  .Sherwood. 

2              3 

1    106 

12 

).  Sherwood,  Church  called 
(Egremont  since  1811.) 

2              6 

1    105 

13 

).  Sherwood, 

2              2 

1    104 

14 

!).  Sherwood,* 

1 

1          103 

15 

3.  Sherwood, 

1              2 

1    1    100 

16 

[).  Sherwood,* 

5              8 

1    2      99 

0  63 

17 

D.  Sherwood,* 

109 

208 

18 

,  Elisha  D.  Hubbbll, 

21              5 

2    1    223 

ir.  51 

19 

D.  Sherwood,*  E.  D.  Hub- 

bell, 

4    3         1 

3    4    222 

11  00 

1820 

E.  D.  Hubbell, 

2              6 

6    1    211 

6  00 

21 

E.  D.  Hubbell, 

2    2    13 

9    3    201 

20  89 

22 

E.  D.  Hubbell, 

14    7         1 

2    1    217 

10  00 

23 

,  No  pastor, 

3              6 

5    1    164 

7  00 

24 

Enos  Marshall,  Jr., 

4         ? 

1    164 

5  00 

25 

E.  Marshall,  Jr., 

'■ 

2    156 

4  00 

26 

E.  Marshall,  Jr., 

Ic 

8    3    133 

8  06 

27 

E.  Marshall,  Jr , 

7    3 

29    2         112 

7  12 

28 

E.  Marshall,  Jr.,* 

7    1        5 

>         2    1    115 

6  25 

29 

E.  Marshall,  Jr.,  A.  Brown,* 

1    2         ] 

4    2    112 

1  50 

1830 

E.  Marshall,  Jr.,  A.  Brown, 

4              5 

>         8    l'   110 

31 

E.  Marshall,  Jr.,*  Brown,* 

2  1       : 

3         1    8    101 

0  94 

32 

E.  Marshall,  Jr.,  A.  Brown,* 
(United  with  Stephentown 
Association.) 

17    1 

I         1      !  116 

7  75 

S3 

E.  ^Marshall,  Jr.,  A.  Brown 

11 

1         3    4    102 

34 

Harmon  Ellis,  A.  Brown, 

2    5 

5  25         1      80 

5  50 

85 

H.  Ellis,  (Eld  er  Brown  died. ) 

2    3    1 

S         1    4      79 

6  00 

36 

H.  Ellis,  A.  Tallmadge, 

7    8 

B         2    3      83 

9  25 

37 

Calvin  Munrow, 

8 

i              1      86 

88 

Salmon  Hatch, 

1    7 

B         1           87 

11  82 

39 

S.  Hatch,   Asa  Tallmadge 

2    3 

1         3    3      85 

29  22 

1840 

S.  Hatch,  A.  Talmadgk,* 

1           84 

25  00 

41 

S.  Hatch, 

2    1 

3      84 

30  35 

42 

D.  H.  Grant,  United  -with 
the  Berkshire  Association 

3    6 

4 12         3      70 

21  GO 

48 

D.  H.  Grant, 

82    1 

6               1      94 

27  76 

44 

B.  C.  Grand  ALL, 

1    6 

1         21  2      96 

29  00 

SEC, 


lii.j 


CHUKCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


405 


EGREMONT    Church,  Continued. 

. 

t*  SCI 

a" 

O  W  Oi    >3  \ 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
iiz'd 

1 

3 

s 

a" 
4 

o 
2 

88 

lent 
Monies 

45 

B.  C.  Crandall, 

i 

3 

45  00 

46 

B.  C.  Cr.vndall, 

3 

f 

6 

6 

3 

84 

.  94   15 

47 

■3.  POMKROY, 

3 

2 

3 

82 

49   62 

45 

■5.  POMEROY, 

1 

6 

76 

62  00 

49 

Cephas  Pasco,  S.  Pomeroy,* 

5 

6 

3 

1 

2 

81 

60  32 

1850 

C.  Pasco,  A.  Talmadge,* 

1 

1 

4 

1 

7b 

46   60 

ni 

C.  Pasco,  A.  Talmadge* 

2 

3 

73 

100  45 

52 

C.  Pasco,  A.  Talmadge,* 

i 

2 

li 

1 

77 

40  00 

GALWAY,  (First)  Church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  in 

1778. 

1790 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

36 

91 

,         " 

3 

3 

39 

92 

,         "     (No  minutes.) 

7 

43 

93 

2 

1 

4r) 

94 

,         " 

3 

.5 

33 

95 

Abel  Brown, 

5 

3 

37 

96 

,  No  pastor, 

24 

64 

97 

,         " 

5 

4 

3 

1 

60 

.    98 

Joseph  Craw, 

5 

1 

62 

99 

J.  Craw, 

1 

59 

1800 

J.  Craw, 

1 

57 

01 

J.  Craw, 

1 

1 

58 

02 

,  No  pastor. 

li 

58 

03 

,         " 

2 

i 

60 

04 

" 

47 

05 

" 

8 

49 

%\  00 

06 

„    .. .         " 

1 

54 

07 

" 

9 

63 

08 

,  No  report. 

63 

09 

EnsHA  Carpenter, 

15 

1 

1 

2 

74 

1810 

,  No  pastor, 

7 

1 

34 

1 

46 

2  26 

11 

" 

4 

1 

1 

48 

12 

" 

3 

3 

49 

13 

,    .              " 

4 

1 

52 

14 

,  No  report, 

52 

1.^ 

,  No  pastor. 

2 

2 

42 

16 

John  Lewis,* 

4 

4 

1 

41 

17 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

1 

40 

18 

" 

1 

4 

37 

5  00 

19 

•t 

2 

1 

37 

5  00 

1820 

40 

1 

78 

21 

1 ,         " 

9 

11 

1 

1 

96 

92 

4 

102 

2H 

'Jacob  St.  John, 

■       4 

e 

1 

110 

40  u 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION, 


[appendix- 


GALWAY,  (First) 

church- 

—CONTINUED. 

*~ 

f  fa 

Olt'l 

M 

a 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastoks  and  Ministers. 

Bap 
nz'D 

1 

1 

o 
o' 

'■i 
a 

2 

3 

> 

EOR 

Benev. 

24 

J,  St.  John, 

1 

109 

$10  00 

25 

J.  St.  John,* 

27 

2 

1 

79 

8  68 

26 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

79 

6  63 

27 

,  Letter  sent, 

4 

1 

3 

71 

28 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

72 

29 

,         •' 

1 

72 

1830 

,  No  report. 

72 

31 

,         " 

72 

32 

Timothy  Day,  (in  Bottskill 

Aspociation,) 

1 

1 

1 

29 

33 

T.  Day, 

1 

1 

] 

28 

34 

,  No  report, 

35 

John  C.  Holt,  T.  Day, 

80 

9 

6 

8 

3 

67 

10  00 

36 

M.  L,  Fuller,*  T.  Day, 

8 

5 

14 

2 

1 

60 

4  00 

37 

M.  L.  Fuller,*  T.  Day, 

9 

4 

I 

46 

5  00 

88 

Edwin  Wescott, 

28 

14 

4 

1 

86 

U   00 

89 

E.  Wescott, 

4 

8 

9 

1 

87 

21   27 

1840 

,  No  report, 

87 

5  00 

41 

M.  L.  Fuller, 

1 

13 

2 

59 

4  25 

42 

0.  H.  Capron, 

1 

5 

14 

51 

15  00 

43 

,  No  pastor, 

19 

8 

65 

44 

E.  W.  Allen, 

1 

7 

2 

70 

10  80 

45 

E.  W.  Allfn, 

6 

2 

1 

1 

76 

5  00 

46 

Wm.  Bog  art, 

1 

4 

2 

2 

69 

15  79 

47 

W.  BOGAKT, 

2 

2 

73 

58  73 

48 

W.  Bogart, 

2 

1 

3 

1 

72 

21  00 

49 

B.  K.  Barber,*  Letter  sent. 

72 

1850 

B.  K.  Barber, 

3 

2 

12 

2 

2 

61 

11    90 

51 

B.  K.  Barber, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1 

58 

9  67 

52 

T.  T.  St.  John, 

2 

6 

8 

44 

GALWAY  (Second)  church,  constituted 

IN   ] 

790. 

1795 

Joseph  Cornell, 

4 

1 

1 

00 

96 

J.  Cornell, 

5 

J 

1 

63 

97 

J.  Cornell, 

10 

1 

72 

98 

J.  Cornell, 

5 

10 

1 

66 

99 

,  No  pastor, 

4 

3 

1 

66 

1800 

,         " 

3 

1 

1 

07 

01 

,         " 

64 

2 

J29 

02 

John  Munroe,* 

6 

3 

2 

126 

03 

J.  MuNRCE,*  No  return.^, 

1-26 

04 

,  No  returns, 

126 

05 

.         " 

126 

«Ec.  rii.j 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


407 


GALWAY  CHURCH — continued. 


TO 

?a 

C 

a  Ki 

C' 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  <k  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

>< 

?) 
% 

p 
\ 

5 

o 
> 

FOR 

A 

o 

cT 

o 

o" 

— 

r 

126 

benev't 

1806 

,  No  returns. 

07 

,         " 

126 

08 

Samuel  Rogers, 

54 

4 

4 

122 

9  10 

09 

3.  Rogers, 

19 

3 

6 

o 

136 

8  12 

1810 

S.  Rogers, 

6 

2 

5 

135 

7  41 

]1 

S.  Rogers, 

6 

4 

3 

1 

133 

7  12 

12 

3.  Rogers, 

8 

1 

4 

3 

129 

4  50 

13 

S.  Rogers, 

2 

2 

4 

1 

123 

3  43 

14 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

4 

21 

3 

2 

95 

15 

Joseph  Cornell, 

19 

4 

3 

3 

112 

6  67 

16 

J.  Cornell, 

8 

3 

1 

2 

i;jo 

2  12 

17  J.  Cornell, 

6 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

124 

13  16 

18  J.  Cornell, 

1 

3 

2 

2 

2 

126 

31   26 

19  J.  Cornell, 

1 

4 

1 

11 

* 

1 

119 

15  41 

1820  J.  Cornell, 

86 

2 

3 

5 

155 

18  75 

21|J.  Cornell, 

9 

4 

2 

2 

164 

17  12 

22 

J.  Cornell, 

2 

3 

8 

1 

165 

13  25 

23 

J.  Cornell, 

1 

2 

4 

1 

144 

24 

J.  Couxkll,  E.  Kincaid, 

1 

3 

1 

2 

13c 

5  00 

25 

J.  Cornell,  E.  Kincaid, 

5 

1 

6 

1 

137 

11  06 

26 

J.  Cornell,  Wm.  E.  "Water 

BURV, 

16 

6 

1 

1 

159 

2  00 

27 

Wm.  E.  Waterbuky, 

4 

4 

2 

2 

2 

162 

12  50 

28 

Wm.  E.  Water  bury, 

4 

3 

2 

1 

166 

15  22 

29 ,  No  pastor, 

9 

1 

1 

2 

172 

11   62 

1830 

Stephen  Wilkins, 

14 

6 

1 

1 

190 

15  25 

31 

S.  Wilkins, 

3 

3 

I 

3 

194 

32  08 

32 

S.  Wilkins, 

31 

n 

2 

2 

1 

4 

227 

71  26 

33 

S.  Wilkins, 

26 

6 

4 

I 

1 

253 

94  75 

34 

3.  Wilkins, 

61 

7 

1 

2 

226 

58  00 

35 

Jacob  S.  M'Collom, 

4 

10 

1 

5 

1 

2 

232 

53  34 

36 

J.  S.  M'Collom, 

15 

7 

20 

2 

1 

229 

102  00 

37 

J.  S.  MCOLLOM, 

1 

1 

6 

5 

1 

219 

165  75 

38 

Amasa  Smith, 

1 

8 

10 

6 

2 

183 

129  00 

39 

A.  Smith,* 

6 

9 

1 

165 

173  72 

1840 

Israel  Robords, 

4 

16 

1 

165 

116  00 

41 

,  Levi  Parmely, 

1 

5 

8 

2 

161 

64  59 

42 

L.  Parmelv, 

58 

6 

213 

270  82 

43 

,  L.  Parmely, 

29 

10 

25 

5 

224 

64  14 

44 

S.  Ward, 

7 

5 

17 

3 

2 

213 

109  35 

45 

S.  Ward, 

li  1 

19 

4 

1 

170 

49  74 

46 

,  No  pastor, 

3 

10 

1 

o 

150 

100  40 

47 

«' 

2 

3 

8 

1 

146 

91  OO 

48 

Robert  Myer.s, 

1 

5 

4 

1 

<■' 

J41 

111  79 

408 


SHAfTSBtJRY  ASSOCIAtlON,  [APPENDIX. 


GALWAY  CHURCH — continued. 

* 

D        C""  ?:  C 

D  t?3  O] 

H 

MONIKS 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap-  b   h   g 

riz  D  '^-  '^^  s 
SB    o    o 

!=    ►<     5 

o   fi   2  1 

►fl    r    P 

a   o' 

> 

FOR 

Benev. 

1849 

Wii.  Garnett,  R.  Myers, 

2    8 

16        4 

125 

282  05 

1850 

Wm.  Garnett,  R.  Myers, 

6    5    2    2         3    2 

131 

138   91 

51- 

-,R.  Myers,* 

3    4         6              2 

137 

89  61 

52  Henry  L.  Grose,   Dean  W.| 

18         2              3' 

136 

267  50 

Smith,                                 1 

1    1   ;    : 

GREENFIELD  (First)  church,  N.  Y.,  const'd 

1791. 

1792 ,  INo  minutes, 

) 

40 

93. 

Toseph  Oraw, 

69 

109 

94 

r.  Craw,                                ^ 

8             1 

7      1   1    1 

98 

95 

J.  Craw, 

2 

1         3 

96 

96 

J.  Craw, 

1 

1 

96 

97 

J.  Craw, 

17: 

9         2 

98 

98 

,  No  paster, 

1 

4 

92 

99 

,  No  report, 

92 

1800 

,         " 

92 

01  Israel  Craw, 

8         7    4 

56 

02 ,  No  pastor, 

14, 

3 

74 

03 ,  No  report, 

74 

04 

,  No  pastor, 

60 

2  70 

06 

,          " 

1 

1 

50 

2  00 

06 

" 

8 

1 

52 

07 

" 

4         1 

47 

2  00 

08 

Isaac  Brewster, 

7 

1         1 

52 

2  50 

09 

I.  Brewster,* 

12          1 

5 

60 

2  00 

1810 

I.  Brewster, 

3 

2         3 

48 

2  50 

11 

I.  Brewster, 

5 

1              1 

53 

3  00 

12 

I.  Brewster, 

2            1 

1 

52 

2  00 

13 

,  No  pastor, 

26           i 

6              6 

66 

14 

.. 

7           1 

3         1    2 

56 

3  00 

15 

J          '♦ 

4    1 

2 

59 

10 

^          " 

1 

2         1 

53 

17 

Elisha  Blakenian, 

11    5 

4 

66 

18 

E.  Blakeman, 

3 

1         1 

67 

8  00 

19 

E.  Blakeman, 

1    4 

1         1 

70 

8  00 

1820 

,  N  0  pastor. 

1 

8         1 

52 

6  41 

21 

James  N.  Seaaian, 

6    1 

1 

58 

22 

E.  Blakeman, 

1 

2 

57 

23 

Benjamin  St.    John,   Asso 
ciation  here. 

1     1 

3              1 

55 

'^0  15 

24 

,  No  pastor, 

1     2 

2         2    1 

44 

3  21 

2t 

Samuel  M.  Plumb, 

15  12    1 

4              1 

67 

3  90 

2t 

)  S.  M.  Plumb, 

5 

1 

71 

2- 

,  No  report. 

I 

71 

SEC.  ni,J 


CHUKCHES:    STATISTICS. 


403 


GREENFIELD  church — continued. 


Pastors  and  Ministers. 


28 

29! ,  'So  pastor, 

1830|Timothy  Day, 

31 ,  No  pastor, 

32JHeney  C.  Skinner, 
33  H.  C.  Skinner, 
34{  H.  C.  Skinner, 
35  H.  C.  Skinner,* 
setH.  H.  Haff, 
37 'H.  H.  Haff, 

381 ,  H.  H.  Haff, 

39  T.  T.  St.  John, 

1840 ,  No  pastor, 

41 ,   O.  H.  Capron, 

42 ,  No  pastor, 

43  R.  Hastings, 

44  R.  Hastings, 

45  G.  Farr, 

46 ,  No  report, 

47 ,  No  pastor, 

48 ,  No  report, 

49 ,  A  letter, 

1850  Edwin  Wescott, 
51  E.  Wescott, 
52 !e.  "Wescott, 


t-' 

P3 

a 

ri 

m 

n 

H 

Bap 

tiz'd 

M 

a" 

OR 

a' 

§ 

> 

Benev. 
Monies 

54 

2  00 

6 

5 

1 

54 

1 

5 

50 

26 

5 

1 

73 

10  00 

6 

5 

7 

4 

2 

7u 

23  00 

35 

5 

5 

3 

2 

100 

68  47 

4 

1 

1 

1 

5 
13 

8 
2 

1 

92 

78 

1  00 

2  00 

1 

4 

1 

7 

3 

74 

C2  00 

2 

6 

2 

2 

67 

3 

1 

1 

8 

6 

1 

54 

10  OO 

3 

2 

1 

1 

2 

52 

11  00 

1 

5 
4 

1 

2 
9 

58 
61 

11  00 

9 

5 

5 

60 

61  63 

3 

1 
1 

3 
2 

6 
4 

3 

2 

3 

2 

1 

62 
61 
61 

47 
47 
45 
40 

3  33 
5  10 

3  5'J 

2 

7 

1 

1 

49 

,   9  08 

1 

4 

1 

55 

1   8  34 

GREENFIELD,  (Second)  Chuech,  N.  Y.,  constituted 
IN  1794. 


,  No  pastor, 

Abel  Browti, 
,  No  pastor, 


1'795 

96 

97 

98 

99' 

18  00;  Dropped  from  minutes,  for 
several  years,  Re-appear- 
I     ed   in  Saratoga  body   in 
I     1808,  J.  Lewis, 

09  John  Lewis, 
ISIO.J.  Lewis, 

111  J.  Lewis, 

12|J.  Lewis,* 

13  J.  Lewis, 

14' J.  Lewis  *  i 


39 

28 

1 

66 

2 

2 

66 

1 

1 

1 

65 

5 

5 

2 

62 

1 
85 

2 

5 

1   81 

6 

•2 

5 
3 

81 
76 

•  8 

22 

1 

4 

1 

2 
5 

1 

43 

2   38 

16  00 
2  00 
2  76 


20 


ilQ 


SHAFTSBUBY   ASSOCIATICTH, 


lAFFENDlXj 


GREENFIELD,  (Second) 

CHURCH- 

—CONTINUED. 

A.    D. 

Tastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap-  s 

TIZD    "-^ 

i  O 

1 

?3 

O 
35 

X 

o 
►s 

o 

c 

w 
o 

> 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 

16 
16 

,  No  report, 

38 
41 

17 

Timothy  Dat, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

39 

3  00 

18 

T.  Day, 

12 

1 

50 

19 

T.  Day, 

2 

1 

1 

62 

1820 

T.  Day, 

4 

1 

55 

21 
22 

,  No  report, 

This  church  dissolved. 

56 

GREENFIELD,  (Third)  church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  ]  795. 


1796, ,  United  this  session, 

54 

97 

,  No  pastor, 

10 

5 

56 

98 

,         " 

8 

1 

3 

55 

99 

,  No  report. 

1 
1 

65 

1800 

,  No  pastor, 

7 

1 

1 

1 

69 

01 

,    Called    Hadley,   this 

1     1 

year, 

6 

1 

1 

62 

07 

Jonathan  Nichols, 

41 

08 

J.  Nichols, 

7 

47 

U  12 

09 

,  No  pastor, 

6 

2 

51 

2  00 

1810 

,         " 

I 

4 

48 

11 

,         " 

1 

5 

1 

4'^ 

2  00 

12 

,         "• 

6 

' 

47 

13 

Timothy  Day, 

10 

8 

54 

14 

T.   Day,* 

2 

1 

1 

1 

63 

15 

,  No  report  for  years, 

53 

1821 

T.  Day,*  again. 

, 

86 

22 

T.  Day,*  (Now    called    2d 
church,) 

1 

2 

37 

23 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

1   2 

2 

33 

24 

,         " 

16 

2 

1 

1 

1 

50 

4  OO 

25 

J          ' 

1 

3 

2 

45 

26 

,  No  report. 

I 

45 

27 

,        " 

45 

28 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

6 

2 

39 

29 

,        " 

1 

1 

37 

1830 

Jacob  St.  John, 

2 

39 

31 

J.  St.  John,*  No  report. 

39 

32 

J.  St.  Jchn, 

1 

5 

1 

1 

30 

33 

J.  St.  John, 

3 

1 

34 

84 

J.  St.  John,*  No  report, 

35 

J.  St.  John, 

12 

3 

46 

36 

.  No  report  for  years, 

46 

SSC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


411 


GREENFIELD,  (Third) 

CHURCH 

— 

-CONTINUED. 

f-^ 

fc  C 

C  H 

C 

H 

Benevo- 

A.  D. 

Pastoes  and  Ministers, 

Bap 

tiz'd 

a. 

o 

a 

> 

lent 
Monies 

39 

Thomas  T.  St.  John, 

4 

3 

4 

42 

$.")  00 

1840 

T.  T.  St.  John, 

1 

43 

41 

,  No  report. 

2 

1 

4(! 

42 

" 

40 

43 

,  Letter  sent, 

4 

42 

44 

,  No  pastoi-. 

1 

1 

45 

45 

S.  Care, 

G 

2 

48i 

46 

T.  T.  St.  John, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

46 

47 

,  No  pastor, 

i 

2 

2 

4!2 

7  40 

48 

T.  Dav,*  Letter  sent, 

•6 

1 

2 

43 

49 

T.  Day, 

1 

42 

2  00 

1850 

T.  Dat,  No  report, 

4y 

61 

T.  Day,* 

5 

3 

36 

2  OO 

52 

S.  Caee,  T.  Day,                           '  1 

1 

1 

5 

30 

2  50 

HADLEY,  Church,  N.  Y 

.,  CONSTITUTEE 

>  ABOUT 

1800. 

1801 

,    an    otf-shoot    of     3d 

Greenfiel  d, 

6 

4 

1 

1 

62 

02 

Thomas  Po  einqton. 

5 

6 

2 

66 

03 

T.  Pueington,*  No  report, 

56 

04 

T.  PUEINGTON, 

18 

6 

4 

2 

62 

06 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

4 

1 

59 

06 

,  do       do 

11 

1 

1 

73 

07 

,  do       do 

6 

6 

6 

3 

65 

$4  OU 

08 

,  do       do 

1 

6 

4 

56 

3  00 

09 

,  do       do 

S 

1 

58 

2  76 

1810 

,  do      do 

8 

2 

2 

2 

60 

2  00 

11 

,  do       do 

5 

3 

3 

59 

2  00 

12 

,  do       do           [vival ! 

10 

7 

1 

61 

2  50 

13 

,  do       do     Great    Ee- 

151 

104 

4 

109 

14 

JoEL  W.  Clark, 

31 

6 

6 

2 

127 

31   41 

15 

J.  W.  Clark, 

10 

7 

7 

7 

2 

128 

16 

J.  W.  Clark, 

6 

2 

14 

5 

118 

17 

,  No  pastor. 

2 

11 

6 

8 

97 

18 

,  do       do 

1 

3 

4 

2 

104 

16  00 

19 

Samuel  Savory,{Chnre'h  now 

called  Corinth, 

1 

2 

10| 

3 

87 

10  00 

1820 

S.  Savory, 

2 

5 

80 

5  OO 

21 

,  No  pastor,                     . 

1 

1 

3| 

2 

84 

1  00 

22 

Samuel  M.  Plumb, 

8 

1 

2 

4i 

2 

83 

16  81 

23 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

1 

6 

1 

61 

1 

1 

83 

2  00 

24 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

6 

3 

3 

82 

1  00 

25 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

3 

6 

1 

56 

26 

Benjamin  St.  John, 

2 

2 

1 

1 

57 

412 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIAT-ION. 


[appendix- 


HADLEY,  Church — continued. 


c-ii 

P3 

n 

D 

M 

C 

H  Benevo- 

A.    D 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

to 

o 

~2 

o 

o 
4 

3 

> 
fiO 

LENT 

Monies. 

27 

B.  St.  John, 

2 

28 

B.  St.  John, 

3 

2 

1 

1 

69 

29 

B.  St.  J  OHN, 

80 

1 

3 

4 

90 

1830 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

85 

31 

,  No  report. 

85 

32 

SAMrKL  Wood, 

8 

4 

4 

1 

1 

&J 

33 

S.  Wood, 

4 

2 

6 

70 

12  00 

34 

,  No  pastor. 

3 

3 

69 

35 

,  do       flo 

46 

1 

2 

8 

1 

1 

iOO 

36 

H.  H.  Hafk,  (i  til  IK',) 

1 

3 

3 

95 

31 

H.  H.  Haff,      do 

3 

1 

91 

6U  00 

38 

,  No  report,  for  years. 

91 

1844 

M.  Randall, 

70 

45 

M.  Randall. 

2 

2 

1 

3 

55 

No  further  report.and  drop'iJ 

1 

from  the  minutes  in  1849. 

' 

HANCOCK  CHURCH,  Mass.,  Constituted  about  1772. 


1786 

,  called  2d  Hancock, 

16 

88 

John  Hammond, 

2d  church  dropped  in  1789 

16 

1794 

Clark  Rogers,  in  Hancock 

75 

95 

C.  Rogers,                [church, 

11 

9 

1 

54 

96 

C  Rogers, 

2 

1 

.    42 

97 

C.  Rogers,*  No  reoort, 

42 

98 

C.  Rogers,*         " 

4'.> 

99 

C.  ROGEUS,*            " 

42 

1800 

0.  Rogers,*  D.  Egglkston, 

9 

2 

2 

47 

01 

C.  Rogers,*  No  report, 

47 

02 

C.  Rogers,*         '• 

47 

03 

C.  Rogers,*         " 

47 

04 

C.  Rogers,* 

47 

05 

,  Pastor  died  Jan.  14th, 

08 

Church  drop'd  from  minut's, 
F.  S.  Parke,  (In  Stephen 

1832 

town  Body,) 

26 

2 

1 

6] 

33 

,  No  pastor. 

5 

4 

1 

1 

8 

66 

34 

" 

1 

68 

28  21 

85 

Joseph  D.  Rogers,  ^  time. 

27 

1 

1 

92 

28  98 

36 

J.  D.  Rogers,  ^  time, 

1 

1 

6 

88 

21  21 

37 

Harmon  Ellis, 

1 

87 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


413 


HANCOCK  CHURCH — continued. 


18S8 
39 

1840 
41 
42 
43 
49 

1850 
61 


Pastors  and  Ministkhs. 

Bap- 

TIZ'U 

53 

O 

to 

O 

o 

p 

o 

H 

►■ 

Monies 

FOR 

Benkv. 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

85 

38  71 

J.  D.  Rogers, 

! 

8 

6 

5 

71 

5  00 

Elnathan  Sweet, 

4 

1 

1 

73 

Platt  Beits, 

1 

3 

69 

50  00 

P.  BETTs,(di8missed  to  Berk- 

shire Association,) 

10 

1 

1 

4 

4 

1 

72 

,  United  only  this  year, 

1 

2 

1 

36 

,  No  report, 

Wm.  Bowen, 

3 

4 

o 

36 
53 

1    12 

,  Wm.  Bowen, 

53 

107  00 

HARTFORD  church,  N.  Y.,  constituted  in  1788. 


1792 

Amasa  Brow.v,  called  West- 
field  at  first. 

132 

93 

A.  Beown, 

27 

6 

5 

2 

146 

94 

A.  Brown, 

50 

21 

5 

2 

168 

95 

A.  Brown,* 

31 

4 

5 

196 

96 

A.  Brown, 

49 

30 

1 

1 

212 

97 

A.  Brown, 

106 

2 

2 

1 

303 

98 

A.  Brown, 

15 

2 

3 

313 

99 

A.  Brown, 

18 

2 

3 

326 

1800 

A.  Brown, 

3 

2 

1 

326 

01 

A.  Brown, 

2 

3 

1 

324 

02 

A.  Brown,* 

324 

03 

A.  Brown,* 

57 

2 

g 

2 

374 

04 

A.  Brown, 

31 

2 

1 

1 

401 

05 

A.  Browk,  (United  in  form- 
ing the  Saratoga  Body,) 

19 

420 

8  25 

06 

A.  Brown, 

16 

1 

435 

07 

A.  Brown, 

7 

2 

8 

2 

435 

14  39 

08 

A.  Brown, 

2 

2 

4 

2 

429 

17   97 

09 

A.  Brown, 

22 

5 

1 

2 

448 

10  38 

1810 

A.  Brown, 

4 

2 

2 

4 

439 

12  00 

11 

A.  Brown,* 

6 

18 

5 

421 

10  83 

12 

A.  Brown,*  No  repoj-t, 

421 

13 

A.  Brown,* 

28 

9 

4 

4 

432 

14 

A.  Brown, 

77 

1 

3 

505 

16  31 

15 

A.  Brown, 

1 

4 

1 

602 

16 

A.  Brown,*  No  report. 

602 

17 

A.  Brown, 

138 

6 

4 

5 

6 

634 

18 

A  Brown,* 

9 

9 

34 

6 

1 

611 

19  A.  Beown, 

1 

2 

8 

4 

2 

600 

26  00 

'20 


414 


SIIAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


HARTFORD  church — continued. 


182( 
2] 
22 
23 
24 
26 


Pastoks  &  Ministers. 


Bap 


A..  BuowN, 
A.  Brown, 

,  No  pastor, 

George  Witherell, 

G.  WiTHERELL, 
G.  WiTHERELL, 
Ua   G  WiTHERELL, 

"'J  G.  WiTHERELL,(Ia  Wflsbing 
(ton  Association, 

28  G.  WiTHERELL, 

29  G.  WiTHERELL, 
1830  G.  WiTHERELL, 

3 '  G.]WiTHERELL,(iu  tbo  Bolts- 
kill  Body,) 

32  G.  WiTHERELL, 
3,S  G.  WiTHERELL, 

34  G.  WiTHERELL, 

35  Barna  ALLEN,(in  the  Wash 
ington  Union  Body,) 

36  B.  Allen,  No  report, 

37  Daniel  A.  Cobb, 

38  D  A.  Cobb, 

39  Daniel  Harrington, 
1840  W.  Cormack, 

41  VV.  Cormack, 
42 ,  No  report. 

43  .J.  B.  Everts,  (The  2  church 

es  re-united,) 

44  J.  B.  Everts,*    Prof.  Dan'i. 

Hascall, 

45  L.  Parmely,  J.  B.  Everts,* 

46  L.  Howard,  J.  B.  Everts,* 

47  L.  Howard,  No  report, 

48  L.  Howard,*         •' 
49 ,  No  report, 

1850  Daniel  Eldridge, 
51 JJ.  B.  Drummond, 
52  J.  B.  Drummond, 
53 1  J.  B.  Drummond, 


fOi  t 


I'  4 

3 

21   6 

16 

ll    3 

1  IS 


I'   1 


125113    2|12 


5:  4 
2\n 

5i 


100 

7 
72 


Oi  K 


12 

!l5 
2:11 


1,11 

7 
5  11 


589 
583 
578 
192 
174 
167 
17.S 


Monies 

foe 
benev't. 


5  8 
2  5 
2!  1 


215 
228 
259; 
2|  246 

266 

1  228 

2I  211 

i  200 


199 

243 
30( 
305 
296 
283 


4S( 

479 
467 
44.5 
445 
445 
445 
277 
367 
868 
480 


159  65 
155  06 
318  91 


SEC. 


III.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


415 


HARTFORD  (South)  church.t  N.  Y.,  const'd  1831. 


Pastors  and  Ministers. 


Ibap-!  n 


18321  Henry  F.  Baldwin, 

33  H.  F.  Baldwin, 

34  H.  F.  Baldwin,  No  minutes 

35  H.  F.  Baldwin, 
86  H.  F.  Baldwin, 

37  H.  F.  Baldwin, 

38  H.  F.  Baldwin, 

39  H.  F.  Baldwin, 

1840  H.  F.  I?ALDWIN, 

41  U.  F.  Baldwin, 

42  H.  F.  Baldwin, 
43'Tbe  two  churches  united. 


21  15 
4    3 

12 

2 


2    4 


FOR 

Benev. 


61  42 
44  00 


661 

93 

106 

1081  118  66 
99  37 
150  00 
188|  150  00 
186!  193  4C 
184    194  00 


108 

3j  l-iT 

6 


181 


146  60 
160  50 


f  Dissented  on  account  of  Free-Masonry,  from  the  Hartford  church. 


HEBRON  cHUECH,t  N.  Y.,  constituted  Jan.  1, 

1818. 

1819 

,   lu     the    Manchester 

Association, 

2 

2 

2 

62 

1820 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

4 

67 

23 

,  Amasa  Brown, 

2 

1 

2 

59 

1  00 

25 

,  No  pastor. 

6 

6 

2 

54 

27 

Archibald  Wait,   (In    the 
Washington  Association,) 

52 

28 

A.  Wait, 

4 

6 

1 

2 

2 

1 

71 

5  76 

29 

A.  Wait,* 

71 

1830 

Levi  Wadceu,  (A  supply,) 

5 

4 

67 

31 

L.  Walker, 

9 

2 

1 

5 

74 

32 

L.  Walker, 

71 

2 

1 

2 

133 

33 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

4 

5 

3 

131 

12  00 

34 

,  No  minutes, 

120 

35 

Aiios  Stearns,  i  time. 

2 

1 

6 

1 

116 

11  00 

36 

— — ,  No  pastor. 

97 

4  25 

37 

David  Sweet,  i  time. 

S 

6 

3 

1 

101 

3  00 

38 

D.  Sweet 

4 

4 

8 

1 

100 

7  41 

39 

D.  Sweet, 

2 

5 

3 

2 

8 

99 

IS  19 

1840 

D.  Sweet, 

13 

1 

1 

h 

3 

107 

8  00 

41 

D.  Sweet,* 

1 

3 

1 

2 

101 

42 

J.  J.  Trumbdll,  a.  Wait, 

2 

18 

2 

3 

80 

43 1  J.  J.  TRtniBULL,  A.  Wait, 

77 

8 

2 

7 

3 

3 

154 

8  12 

44  Z*.  Beechcr,  J.  G.  Whitvey, 

2 

1 

6 

146 

13  86 

45  Alfred  Harvey, 

3 

2 

8 

18 

0 

3 

121 

36  94 

46iA.  Harvey,  A.  Wait, 

2 

2 

10 

2 

1 

121 

33  15 

47  Amob  R.  Wells,  A.  Wait, 

J.  G.  Whitney, 

13 

107 

416 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


HEBRON  CHURCH — continued. 


A.    D. 

Pastoks  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

<^  s 

O  j 

H      Monies 

g             FOE 

r      Benkv. 

1848 

E.  W.  Allen, 

1 

2 

I 

1 

1 

107:  $10   00 

49 

E.  W.  Allen, 

43 

14 

8 

1 

4 

3 

le."-)      39   19 

1850 

E.  W.  Allen, 

15 

3 

3 

175      45   75 

51 

E.  W.  Allen, 

4 

1 

4 

176;     25  00 

52 

E.  W.  Allen, 

1 

4 

1 

171      32  00 

53 

0.  H.  Capeon, 

6 

2 

18 

6 

160* 

f  Hebron  is  a  branch  of  the  Fhst  Hartford  church. 


HARTFORD,  (Second)  Church.  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  1795. 


1796 

32 

97 

Gamaliel  Barnes, 

o 

1 

33 

98 

G.  Barnes,*  No  report. 

33 

99 

G.  Barnes,*         " 

33 

1800 

G.  Barnes,*         " 

33 

01 

,  No  pastor. 

21 

02 

,         " 

21 

OS 

,         " 

21 

04 

,  A  great  accession  ! 

67 

1 

2 

85 

05 

,  No  pastor  yet,  (In  the 

Saratoga  Association.) 

2 

1 

1 

2 

83 

$5  25 

06 

Calvin  H.  Swain, 

18 

1 

3 

1 

100 

07 

C.  H.  Swain, 

3 

2 

0 

99 

9  00 

08 

C.  H.  Swain, 

3 

2 

1 

99 

4  60 

09 

C.  H.  Swain, 

23 

2 

2 

2 

116 

4  50 

1810 

C   H.  Swain, 

10 

3 

2 

121 

7  50 

11 

C.  H.  Swain, 

7' 

1 

2 

125 

7  CO 

12 

C.  H.  Swain, 

4 

2 

2 

125 

13 

C.  H.  Swain,   Church   now 

called  Hartf'd  &  Kings b'y, 

4 

1 

8 

125 

5  26 

14 

C.  H.  Swain,               [here.) 

3 

2 

2 

1 

123 

6  00 

15 

C.   H.    Swain,  (Association 

3 

2 

2 

123 

44  57 

16 

0.  H.  Swain,               [yival. 

4 

4 

1 

1 

128 

42  00 

17 

0.   H.  Swain,  Glorious  re- 

181 

4 

17 

1 

2 

1 

326 

11  25 

18 

C.  H.  Swain, 

25 

1 

7 

3 

3 

838 

15  41 

19 

C.  H.  Swain, 

7 

7 

2 

8 

1 

346 

6  25 

1820 

C.  H.  Swain, 

2 

1 

4 

2 

343 

9  81 

21 

C.  H.  Swain, 

12 

2 

12 

8 

2 

340 

6  04 

22 

C.  H.  Swain, 

9 

1 

2 

8 

2 

0 

827 

11   86 

23 

0.  H.  Swain, 

2 

1 

11 

3 

4 

81(1 

12  26 

24 

C.  H.  Swain, 

7 

1 

3 

4 

7 

301 

8  00 

25 

C.  H.  Swain, 

15 

2 

5 

2 

806 

7  50 

26 

0.  H.  Swain, 

11 

Jl,. 

11 

14 

6 

801 

18  25 

SEC.  iir.] 


churches:  statistics. 


417 


HARTFORD  (Second)  Church — continued. 


A.  D.       Pastors  and  Ministers. 


27 

28 
29 
1830 
31 
82 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 


C.  H.  Swain,  Church  called 
Adamsville,  audinWash. 
C.  H.  Swain,    [Association. 
C.  H.  Swain, 
C.  H.  Swain. 
|C.  H.  Swain, 

C.  H.  SwAix,*  Norman  Fox, 
Nokman  Fox.  (^  time,) 
N.  Fox,  (No  niinutes, 
Archibld  Wait,  (i  time,) 
No  pastor. 

,  No  report, 


03 
H 

F3 

P3 

O 

O 

a' 

O 

5 
a 

o 

> 

Monies 

FOR 

Benev. 

53 

2 

294 

12  60 

53 

2 

3 

344 

6  18 

3 

2 

3 

336 

6  47 

2 

13 

4 

3 

317 

28  00 

5 

3 

9 

7 

4 

313,  25  00 

115 

4 

3 

160 

43 

3 

216 

25  50 

!  2 

1 

15 

7 
4 
9 

14 

1 

2 

1 
2 

187 

82 
76 
62 
62 

20  60 

22  50 

4  00 

14  00 

HARTFORD  and  KINGBUBYt  Church. 


1833 

34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
1840 
41 
42 
43 

44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 
18.^0 
51 
52 
53 


Archibald  Kenyon,  (In  thel 
Bottskill  Association.)      j 
A.  Kenyon,  ^  time, 
A.  Kenyon,  ^  time, 


Wm.  Cormack, 

,  No  pastor,  i 

Daniel  A.  Cobb,  ! 

D.  A.  Cobb,  ij  time,  ■ 

D.  A.  Cobb,  | 

,  No  pastor,  j 

Ransom  O.  Dwyre,  (Church 

called  Adamsville  again.) 
R.  O.  Dwyre, 
R.  O.  Dwyre, 

E.  W.  Allen, 
E.  V,'.  Allen, 
John  H.  Baekee, 
J.  H.  Barker, 

J.  H.  Barker, 
J.  H.  Barker, 
J.  H.  Ba  keb, 
!-J.  H.  Barker, 


4    ] 

2 
6 


11 


e!  6 

3|  2 
V  4 


32 

1 

32 

34 

41 

43 

49 

43 

52 

54 

] 

59 

14S 

2 

154 

150 

14-2 

2 

163 

3 

144 

2 

136 

1 

90 

2 

110 

2 

110 

1  4 

KIO 

§7  00 

4  65 
3  00 

5  00 

14   16 


17  50 

14  75 

195  00 

45  85 

8  50 

24  00 

58  75 

52  07 

163  00 

125  95 


f  This   name  continued  till  1843,  when  the  two  parties  were  hap- 
pily united,  and  resumed  the  name  of  Adamsville. 


418 


9HAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


HILLSDALE  (West)  church, 

N 

Y., 

const'd  1787. 

t^   ?0| 

O  OiHI 

a 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministhrs. 

Bap 

i'iz'd 

n 

00 

s 

to 

o 

y, 
o 

c- 

p 

o 

H 

FOR 

Benkv. 

1788 

Stephen  Gano, 

~ 

32 

89 

S.  Gano, 

25 

2 

2 

53 

1790 

,  No  minutes, 

91 

S.  Gang, 

8 

4 

1 

63 

92 

,  No  minutes, 

93 

—  -,  No  pastor, 

1 

2 

8 

53 

94 

.    .          " 

2 

1 

64 

95 

'• 

2 

1 

55 

96 

" 

4 

59 

97 

■' 

7 

1 

66 

98 

,         " 

7 

] 

72 

99 

Abel  Beowk,     • 

82 

1 

103 

1800 

A.  Brown,* 

28 

] 

129 

01 

A.  Brown, 

4 

6 

127 

02 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

1'  1 

122 

OS 

A  Brown, 

9 

2   4 

107 

04 

,  No  pastor, 

39 

06 

" 

1 

I 

39 

U  00 

06 

" 

1 

38 

4  00 

07 

Asa  Spencer, 

7 

1 

44 

6  00 

U8 

,  No  pastor, 

0 

4(- 

6  00 

09 

" 

1 

2 

1    1 

39 

5  00 

1810 

" 

7 

46 

15  00 

11 

« 

2 

48 

20  00 

12 

.. 

47 

15  00 

13 

.' 

47 

14 

" 

2 

46 

15 

" 

] 

8 

48 

4  on 

16 

" 

S 

46 

4  00 

17 

<• 

14 

2 

58 

4  00 

18 

2 

2 

58 

3  50 

19 

,  No  report, 

58 

1820 

John  Lamb, 

2 

55 

21 

J.  Lamb, 

S 

1 

1 

56 

5  00 

22 

,  No  pastor, 

o 

1 

1 

66 

4  37 

23 

" 

I 

1 

1 

56 

4  00 

24 

" 

2    1 

53 

4  00 

25 

" 

9 

1 

61 

5  50 

26 

" 

1 

2 

0 

57 

4  00 

27 

,  Letter, 

1 

56 

5  00 

28 

John  D.  Hart, 

2 

57 

4  50 

29 

J.  D.  Hart, 

55 

4  00 

1830 

J.  D.  Hart, 

1 

55 

81  ISamuel  Pomkeoy, 

2 

1  1 

89 

13  60 

SEC.  111.] 


CHURCHES  ;    STATISTICS. 


4ia 


HILLSDALE  (West)   church — continued. 


— 

t-i 

tr 

O 

W 

Wi  O 

H" 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastobs  and  Ministers. 

Bap 
tiz'd. 

P3 

a 

s 

o 

a 
f 

m 
a 

FOR 

Benev. 

1882 

S.  POMEROV, 

19 

58 

$12  69 

33 

S.  PoMEEOY, 

5 

8 

1 

66 

18  00 

34 

3.  POMEROT, 

1 

8 

1 

75 

10  75 

35JS.  PoMEEoy, 

10 

8 

S 

85 

10  00 

36 ,  No  pasbor, 

1 

1 

6 

80 

13  00 

37 , 

1 

7 

1 

2 

71 

13  00 

38  MiLo  B.  Tremain,* 

1 

4 

68 

14  00 

39  Peter  Feink, 

6 

S 

2 

69 

12  60 

'840  P.  Prink, 

1 

1 

67 

13  00 

41  P.  Prink,*  J.  W. Van  Hoene, 

1 

1 

4 

2 

69 

10  00 

42  P.  Peink  *  J.W.Van  H«rne, 

67 

3 

1 

5 

5 

129 

14  00 

43 ,  No  pastor, 

10 

1 

8 

131 

12  OO 

44  M.  L.  Fuller, 

1 

4 

3 

133 

40  00 

45  M.  L.  Fuller, 

5 

5 

1 

7 

2 

1 

134 

46  00 

46  M.  L.  Fuller, 

1 

1 

6 

2 

129 

82   36 

47 

Daniel  Robinson, 

3 

7 

123 

105  73 

48 

D.  Robinson, 

16 

8 

1 

6 

4 

134 

19  50 

49 

D.  Robinson, 

10 

1 

3 

3 

139 

1   00 

1850 

S.  PoMEEOY, 

2 

4 

7 

11 

2 

148 

17  17 

61 

S.  POMEROY, 

2 

8 

1 

116 

14  31 

52 

S.  Pom  ERG  Y, 

1 

6 

2 

4 

104 

188  00 

63 

S.  PoMEaOY, 

5 

2 

105 

78  25 

HILLSDALE  (East)  Church,  N. 

Y 

,  const'd  in 

1792. 

1798 

,  No  pastor, 

46 

99 

,         " 

14 

1 

3 

65 

1800 

,         " 

12 

4 

1 

1 

61 

01 

,         " 

61 

02 

,         " 

11 

5 

4 

73 

03 

,         " 

2 

4 

3 

66 

04 

,         " 

9 

3 

54 

05 

Abel  Brown,* 

4 

1 

1 

70 

3  30 

06 

A.  Brown, 

1 

70 

6  00 

07 

A.  Brown, 

44 

6 

107 

4  60 

08  A.  Beown, 

11 

118 

3  00 

09  A.  Brown, 

4 

119 

1810  A.  Beown,* 

1 

1 

3 

116 

9  26 

ll'A.  Brown,* 

3 

1 

117 

11  00 

12  A.  Brown, 

2 

2 

116 

8  00 

13  A.  Brown, 

2 

1 

113 

14  A.  Brown, 

10 

1 

122 

15  A.  Brown,* 

5 

2 

1^5 

16  A.  Brown,» 

4 

128 

42U 


SUAFTSBUKVr  ASSOCIAllOJV. 


[appkndix. 


HILLSDALE   (East 

)  Church — continued. 

n          ^  '^ 

C  D  P 

1  C 

^  1 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap    m    w 
rxz'D  "i  *^ 

1    §    = 

0    0"  a 

lent 
Monies 

1817 

A.  Brown, 

66 

2         i 

l      ] 

192 

18 

A.  Brown,* 

10    2 

6 

t 

192 

$15  00 

19 

A.  Brown,*  No  report, 

192 

1820 

A.  Brown,* 

1    1 

3 

2    2 

185 

21 

A.  Brown, 

2 

• 

4 

183 

21  00 

22 

,  No  report, 

i 

183 

23 

A.  Brown, 

2!  4 

2    4 

183 

24 

Samuel  S.  Mallery, 

3 

9 

6 

130 

2  GO 

26 

A.  Brown,  S.  S.  Mallerv, 

1    3 

3 

2    2 

126 

8  50 

26 

A.  Brown, 

2 

2 

2    1 

123 

^7 

A.  Brown, 

i   3f 

1 

2    1 

122 

28 

,  Letter  sent, 

6|   2 

91 

4  25 

29 

" 

2!   1 

2 

1    2 

88 

2  95 

1830 

Ends  Marshall, 

i!  2 

1 

90 

31 

,  No  pastor, 

21 

1 

1 

90 

32 

,  No  report. 

i 

no 

33 

Philip  Roberts,  Jr., 

8'  2 

2 

1     1 

116 

5  00 

84 

P.  Roberts,  Jr., 

2    3 

1    1 

4 

116 

13  75 

35 

,  //.  Spencer, 

2    2 

1 

1 

104 

7  72 

36 

H.  Spenokr, 

1 

2 

1 

102 

37 

P.  Prink, 

3  10 

10 

3 

100 

38 

P.  Prink, 

43  11 

2 

2 

150 

12  00 

39 

P.  Prink, 

1 

9 

1 

137 

4  82 

1840 

John  E;  La  Granok, 

2 

4 

2    2 

131 

17  00 

41 

J.  La  Grange, 

12    5 

4 

2 

142 

15  56 

42 

J.  La  Grange, 

4 

2 

2    3 

139 

21  10 

43 

,  No  pastor. 

3:4    4 

1    5 

1    3 

169 

7  76 

44 

S.  Jones, 

4 

6    8 

2    5 

164 

25  00 

45 

S.  Jones,  L.  Palmer,* 

25    7 

5 

1 

190 

89  41 

46 

3.  Jones,  L.  Palmer, 

4 

17    5  1 

1 

138 

74  00 

47 

S.  Jones,  L.  Palmer, 

1    8 

2 

1 

139 

51  00 

48 

0.  H.  CArRON,  L.  Palmer, 

210 

5 

1    4 

186 

105  00 

49 

0.  H.  Oapron,  L.  Palmer, 

26    6 

7 

1 

159 

167  29 

1850 

E.W.  Brownkll,  L.  Palmer 

2    3 

7 

3 

152 

76  57 

51 

B;.  W.  Brownell, 

2 

1    3 

146 

75  00 

52 

E.  W.  Brownell,* 

1 

7    3 

3    1 

130 

34  00 

HINSDALE  Church 

,   Mass.,  const'd  in  17 

97. 

Called  Partridgefield,  then 

Peru, 

1798 

,  No  pastor, 

18 

99 

Ebenkzkr  Smith. 

29 

47 

1800 

E.  Smith, 

9 

1 

55 

01 

E.  Smith, 

5 

2 

58 

SEC.  III.] 


CHUKCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


421 


HINSDALE  CHURCH — continued. 


D               t-l' 

?c 

D  Ol 

tS 

O 

H 

Benevo- 

A. D      Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

SI 

ta 

o 

X 

Q 

lent 
Monies 

1802 

E.  Smith, 

9 

67 

03 

E.  Smith, 

7 

64 

04 

E.  Smith, 

10 

1 

2 

71 

05 

E.  Smith, 

2 

1 

2 

70 

06 

E.  Smith, 

6 

1 

2 

72 

07 

E.  Smith, 

15 

2 

55 

08 

E.  Smith, 

1 

2 

54 

09 

E.  Smith, 

21 

3 

62 

1810 

E.  Smith, 

16 

2 

112 

11 

E.  Smith,  Abraham  Jack- 
son, 

10 

1 

121 

19 

A.  Jackson,   (Iu  Westfield 
Association.) 

8 

5 

2 

152 

21 

A.  Jackson, 

9 

11 

157 

S5  00 

23 

A.  Jackson, 

in 

2 

2 

33 

1 

1 

132 

9  06 

24 

A.  Jackson, 

1 

1 

7 

127 

7  00 

29 

A.  Jacason,*  (In  Berkshire 
Association.) 

76 

1830 

A.  Jackson, 

1 

3 

1 

2 

1 

2 

77 

10  46 

31 

A.  Jackson,* 

2 

1 

1 

76 

7  68 

32 

A.  Jackson,* 

2 

1 

77 

1  00 

S3 

L  J.Reynolds,  A.  Jackson,* 

p 

8 

1 

6 

2 

79 

1  00 

34 

A.  Jackson,  L.  J.  Reynolds 

18 

1 

1 

1 

1 

92 

76 

35 

A. Jackson, 

2 

1 

1 

95 

16  40 

36 

A.  Jackson,* 

2 

9 

4 

2 

80 

5  00 

37 

Isaac  Child,  A.  Jackson, 

6 

13 

2 

44 

38 

R.  P.  Whipple, 

2 

18 

3 

1 

60 

39 

R.  P.  Whipple, 

7 

1 

63 

1840 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

2 

58 

41 

Alexander  H.  Sweet, 

3 

3 

2 

1 

60 

3  00 

42 

G.  C.  Tripp,  A.  Jackson, 

16 

3 

2 

78 

5  61 

43 

,  G.  C.  Tripp, 

4 

4 

3 

67 

13  91 

44 

G.  B.  Bills,  G.  C.  Trjpp, 

1 

2 

65 

32  sr, 

45 

Q.  C.  Tripp,  No  report. 

65 

10  10 

46 

J.  M.  Whipple,*     " 

65 

47 

B.  C.  Crandall,  J.  M.  Whip- 

ple, 

2 

2 

5 

1 

2 

54 

2  00 

48 

,  No  report, 

54 

49 

,        " 

54 

1850 

J.  M.  Whipple,*  No  report, 

51 

,  J.  M.  Whipple, 

5 

12 

i  4 

4.^ 

16  69 

52 

J.  T.  Smith,  J.  M.  Whipple, 

6 

21 

3 

'  2 

71 

23  50 

21 


i22 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATIOxN. 


[appenuix. 


HOOSICK   Church.  N.  Y.,  constituted   March    16, 
1785. 


Bap 

w  ^\ 

O 

Wi"tei 

c) 

^ 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  <fe  Ministers. 

It" 

?3 
O 

O 

S ' 

S 

FOR 

tiz'd 

^ 

o 

Benev. 

— 

1792 

Church  called  Mapletown, 

_ 

16 

93 

2 

1 

16 

94 

,  No  report, 

16 

95 

. 

16 

96 

16 

97 

Samcel  Rogers, 

14 

1 

29 

98 

S.  Rogers, 

17 

3 

3 

40 

99 

S.  Rogers, 

21 

2 

1 

1 

57 

1800 

S.  Rogers, 

9 

3 

3 

60 

01 

S.  Rogers, 

2 

2 

2 

54 

02 

, 

54 

03 

J 

27 

12  50 

04 

, 

3 

20 

2  00 

05 

David  Rathbun, 

3 

2 

21 

5  04 

U6 

D.  Rathbu.v, 

21 

07 

D.  Rathbun, 

16 

39 

6  05 

08 

D.  Rathbun, 

1 

1 

39 

5  00 

09 

D.  Rathbun, 

11 

1 

49 

7  47 

J8l0 

James  Glass, 

7 

2 

54 

3  12 

11 

J.  Glass,  (Name  altered  thit^ 
year  to  Hoosick,) 

88 

1 

141 

4  94 

12 

— No  accoimt.  Pastor  dead. 

141 

13 

Thos.  Purington, 

4 

11 

120 

14 

T.  Purington, 

4 

S 

2 

1 

116 

8  87 

15 

/.  Keach, 

1 

10 

6 

100 

16 

Obed  Warren,* 

s 

o 

95 

17 

Isaac  Webb,* 

95 

18 

,  No  pastor, 

16 

11 

4 

1 

95 

1819 

,         " 

5 

7 

1 

92 

20  31 

20 

George  Withfrell, 

1 

2 

2 

89 

15  17 

21 

G.  Withkrell, 

1 

5 

6 

89 

10  93 

22 

G.  Witherell, 

5 

I 

2 

88 

23  89 

23 

7 

80 

11   30 

24 

Israel  Keaoh, 

1 

2 

1 

82 

6  5.^ 

25 

I.  Kkach, 

22 

4 

3 

106 

15   00 

26 

I.  Keach,* 

1 

107 

10  00 

27 

I.  Keach, 

13 

1 

2 

116 

28 

I.  Keach, 

6 

2 

6 

119 

2  60 

29 

I.  Keach, 

8 

2 

128 

2  50 

IboO 

I.  Keach. 

7 

5 

8 

0 

135 

31 

I.  Keach, 

7 

*- 

3 

1 

141 

2  00 

32 

I.  Keach, 

85 

i 

7 

2 

5 

214 

18   18 

33 

[.  Keach, 

12 

39 

7 

3 

3 

252 

22  00 

SEC,  111. J 


churches:  statistics. 


42S 


HOOSICK    CHURCH CONTINUED. 


r,         \^ 

PO 

O 

n 

M 

O 

H 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastobs  and  Ministers. 

Bap-  « 

tiz'd  '^■. 

1  '° 

O 

O 

w 
o 

2 

> 

lent 
Monies 

1834 

I  Keach, 

4 

6 

53 

2 

205 

$24  93 

35 

I.  Keach, 

4 

8 

7 

4 

206 

36 

[.  Keach,* 

206 

37 

I.  Krach, 

3 

164 

38 

[.  Keach, 

25 

4 

1 

189 

39 

I.  Keach, 

1 

3 

6 

4 

184 

1840 

Archibald  Kenton, 

7 

5 

6 

127 

12  50 

41 

A.  Kenyon, 

5 

7 

7 

6 

1 

122 

20  10 

42 

J.  B.  WiLKiNs,  Left  the  As- 
sociation for  the  Stephen 
town,  N.  Y  ,  a  few  years, 

3 

9 

1 

124 

43 

J.  B.    WiLKINS, 

60 

6 

1 

8 

186 

44 

J.  Mitchell, 

4 

10 

2 

2 

174 

24  00 

45 

,  No  pastor, 

8 

1 

6 

4 

2 

166 

5  50 

46 

0.  G.  GURR, 

1 

3 

6 

1 

5 

117 

24  00 

47 

C.  G.  GURK, 

1 

6 

3 

15 

1 

1 

128 

4  00 

48 

C.  G.  GuRR, 

5 

9 

2 

1 

1-20 

117  48 

49 

Wm.  Arthur, 

2 

12 

1 

3 

109 

35  62 

1850 

Wu.  Arthur, 

7 

1 

4 

106 

59  37 

51 

Wm.  a  rthur,(  Re-united  this 

year,) 

1 

2 

3 

99 

70  41 

62 

Wm.  Arthur, 

y 

3 

101 

74  65 

53 

H.  D.    DOOLITTLE, 

1 

3 

4 

1 

97 

5  26 

KINGSBORO  Baptist  church,  constituted  a.  d.  1797. 


1799 

,  W.  Throop,  1st  Dele- 
gate, 

32 

1800 

,  No  pastor, 

13 

1 

44 

01 

Wm.  Throof, 

3 

2 

44 

0^ 

W.  Throoi', 

1 

4 

89 

03 

W.  Throop,* 

39 

04 

W.  TuRoop,*        [Saratoga,) 

'' 

3 

43 

05 

W.    Throop,   (diismiesed  to 

1 

2 

1 

41 

06 

W.  Throop,* 

3 

1 

43 

07 

W.  Throop,* 

2 

2 

43 

$4  00 

08 

W.  Throop, 

2 

41 

09 

W.  Throop, 

4 

2 

43 

1810 

,  No  p  istor, 

4 

6 

16 

26 

11 

W.  Throop, 

2 

1 

2 

2 

26 

4  34 

12 

Jonx  Lathrop, 

26 

4  53 

13, 

J.  Lathrop,*  No  report. 

29 

14 

J.  Lathrop,* 

6 

1 

33 

3  51 

15 

,  No  report, 

33 

16 

,  No  report, 

424 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


KINGSBORO  CHURCH — continfed. 


A.    D, 

Pastors  anu  Ministees. 

Bap- 

5 

o 

o 

s 

f 

Benevo- 
lent 

tiz'd 

r 

3 

o 

D 

0 

B 

Monies. 

17 

,  ISTo  pastor, 

7 

12 

29 

87 

18 

,  do       do 

1 

2 

1 

2 

29 

19 

,  do       do 

3 

1 

1 

27 

1820 

J.  Laturop,* 

1 

1 

27 

21 

,  Letter  sent, 

1 

2G 

22 

,  One  messinger. 

28 

23 

,  No  report, 

28 

24 

J.  Lathrop, 

6 

2 

SO 

25 

,  No  retuvus. 

30 

26 

3 

6 

2 

20 

27 

J.  Latiirop, 

2 

19 

2S 

,  No  report   for  years, 

and  reported  extinct  in  1832. 

1 

19' 

I 

LANSINGBURGH  church— constituted  a.  d.  1804. 


1804 

Ellsha  Langwoethy, 

' 

80 

05 

N.  Kendrick, 

4 

3 

1 

30 

|13  00 

06 

Nathaniel  Kendrick. 

1 

1 

30 

9  00 

07 

N.  Kendrick, 

9 

39 

20  00 

C8 

N.  Kendrick, 

3 

1 

42 

19  25 

09 

N.  Kendrick, 

3 

4 

1 

40 

16  87 

1810 

N.  Kendeick, 

3 

3 

40 

9  42 

11 

,  No  i)astor, 

8 

5 

1 

2 

35 

10  25 

12 

,  No  pastof, 

4 

2 

1 

36 

7  89 

13 

Eli  Ball, 

5 

1 

40 

7  77 

14 

E.  Ball, 

3 

1 

42 

8  76 

15 

E.  Ball, 

2 

2 

1 

2 

39 

16 

E.  Ball, 

5 

1 

43 

5  76 

17 

Elijah  F.  Willey,  E.  Ball, 

11 

5 

1 

48 

18 

E.  F.  Willey, 

3 

8 

0 

56 

8  00 

19 

E.  F.  Willey, 

14 

1 

1 

70 

10  00 

1820 

,  No  pastor, 

8 

3 

70 

21 

,  No  report. 

70 

22 

,  J.  C.  Goble, 

10 

27 

1 

38 

23 

,  No  report, 

38 

24  John  T).  Hart. 

1 

2    1 

9 

1 

31 

25 Henri/  Wightman, 

3 

2 

5 

31 

26  Hexry  Wightman.   Dismiss- 

, 

ed  to  the  Hudson    River 

Association. 

2 

11 

2 

2 

1 

41 

27  Isaac  Webb,* 

4 

1 

3 

1 

44 

1  68 

28' .  No  pastor, 

1 

2 

1 

46 

11  88 

III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS, 


426 


LANSINGBURGH  church — continued. 


Pastors  and  Ministers. 


29  E.  F.    WiLLEY, 
18S0E.  R  WiLLEY, 
31  E.  F.  WiLLEY,* 

S2'E.F.  Willey, 
33  E.  F.  Willey, 
84  Charles  B.  Keyes, 

35 ,  I.  Webb,* 

86 ,  No  report, 

37  Edward  B.  Crandall, 

88  E.  B.  Crandall, 

89  E.  B.  Crandall, 
1840} Alfred  H.  Taylor, 

41  JR.  J.  Smith. 
42jTHOiiAS  S.  Rogers, 
43 ,  No  pastor, 

44  W.  W.  Moore,  R.  J.  Smith, 

45  W.  W.  Moore, 
46 ,  No  pastor, 

47  William  Arthur, 

48  W.  Arthur, 

49  C.  W.  Hewes, 
1850  C.  W.  Hewes, 

51C.  W.  Hewes, 
52  C.  W.  Hewes, 
5310.  W.  Hewes,  S.  Hatch, 


20 
8 
4 
2 

e 

19 

11 

3 

9 

6 

5 

3 

10 

8 

3 

5 

7! 

12  21 

11 

2    8 

23  11 

42    7 


10 

4 

2 

14 

28 

24 

7 

3  16 

2  22 

5 
3 

3  2 
3  7 
4 


MlO 


,  5 

7    2 


12    8 


1    8 

3  5 

4  4 

|5 

I  2 
3'   2 


10 


MONIEB 
FOR 

Benev. 


63 

11  46 

62 

16  00 

155 

5  CO 

169 

23   12 

186 

32  oe 

133 

22  00 

122 

77  50 

122 

180 

15  25 

163 

22  05 

176 

32  17 

159 

11  98 

152 

10  81 

151 

20  00 

163 

167 

3  84 

233 

16  00 

219 

25  64 

189 

24  00 

184 

22  84 

187 

100  97 

192 

5  00 

193 

271  00 

217 

545  50 

263 

200  00 

MANCHESTER  church, 

Vt. 

,  const'd 

June  22, 

1781. 

1819  Calvin  Chamberlain, 

5 

1 

3 

1 

1 

93 

1820  C.  Chamberlain, 

1 

2 

1 

91 

10  33 

23  C.  Chamberlain,*  John  R. 

H 

5 

4 

2 

84 

3  00 

25  P.  W.  Reynolds,     [Dodge, 

21 

6 

12 

2 

93 

■  27  P.  W.  Reynolds, 

a 

6 

1 

99 

1833  Moses  Field, 

3 

87 

34  M.  Field, 

2 

1 

3 

1 

8K 

35  Silas  Kenney, 

1 

2 

6 

1 

2 

80 

36  S.  Kenney, 

2 

3 

2 

82 

1  6« 

87 ,  No  report. 

3 

2 

78 

38  Dexter  P.  Smith, 

2 

2 

2 

76 

39  D.  W.  Burroughs, 

51 

3 

1 

2 

126 

i840 

,  No  pastor, 

3 

6 

5 

3 

1 

108 

41 

" 

8 

4 

1 

95 

42 

Hervey  I.  Parker, 

41  7 

1 

2 

103 

43 

H.  I.  Parker,* 

32'  8 

7 

11 

I86i 

^21 


426 


iHAFTSBDRY  ASSOCIATION.  [aPI'KNDIX. 


MANCHESTER  Church— continued. 


Bap- 
tiz'd 

r 

W 

O 

O 

M  D 

H 

MONIIIIS 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

3 

P3 

o 

o 

o 

p 

> 

t-i 

FOR 

Benkv. 

44 

H.  I.  Parker, 

) 

2 

5 

1 

3 

o 

128 

45 

G.  S.  Stock^tkll, 

1 

5 

1 

4 

120 

46 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

12 

1 

1 

105 

47 

H.  Crowley, 

3 

6 

2 

100 

48 

H.  Crowley, 

4 

5 

2 

100 

$9  42 

49 

Winthrop  Morse, 

3 

1 

1 

1 

102 

1860 

Stephen  Wright, 

,] 

1 

4 

1 

98 

11  00 

51 

S.  Wright, 

2 

2 

1 

6 

2l 

95 

67  73 

52 

J.  R.  Green, 

1 

3 

8 

3 

93 

24  00 

53 

T.  H.  Archibald, 

!  2 

1 

4 

91 

7  22 

MILTON  CHURCH,  N.  Y.,const'd  in  1793. 


1794 

Simeon  Smith, 

57 

95 

,  No  pastor, 

4 

2 

1 

60 

96 

" 

1 

1 

1 

59 

97 



" 

1 

9 

1 

5C 

98 



" 

2 

2 

50 

99 

No  report, 

50 

1800 

" 

95 

01 



No  pastor, 

73 

16 

8 

8 

lOi 

02 

Joseph  Cornell,  Jonathan 
Nichols,  Jr., 

3 

13 

2 

88 

03 

J.  Cornell. 

12 

1 

1 

98 

04 

J.  Cornell,  J.  Nichols, 

5 

1 

103 

1  60 

05 

J.  Nichols,* 

20 

7 

2 

118 

06 

J.  Nichols, 

11 

2 

3 

124 

07 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

13 

3 

1 

84 

5  13 

08 

,          " 

3 

3 

1 

83 

09 

(1 

1 

82 

1810 

,         " 

2 

3 

8 

83 

4  06 

11 

,         " 

2 

3 

1 

1 

82 

4  75 

12 

,         " 

6 

9 

86 

6  87 

18 

,         " 

3 

89 

5  00 

14 

Samuel  M.  Plumb, 

3 

9 

2 

1 

53 

15 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

2 

8 

2 

56 

16 

,  No  pastor, 

3 

5 

1 

53 

17 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

11 

4 

2 

1 

65 

17  84 

18 

3.  M.  Plumb, 

88 

5 

2 

2 

99 

27  69 

19 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

2 

8 

3 

1 

1 

99 

16  51 

1820 

S.  M.  Pluimb, 

o 

1 

1 

2 

99 

11  47 

21 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

i 

1 

2 

1 

98 

15  76 

22 

No  pastor. 

4 

2 

3 

97 

9  23 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


427 


MILTON  cmiRCii — continued. 


A.  D. 

Tastoes  &  Ministers. 

Bap 

tiz'd 

DO 
•< 
f 

n 

6 

1 
6 

D 
to 

o 

a 

X 
a 

1 

o 
2 

H 

r 

94 

MuMES 
FOR 

bknev't. 

2S 

Bradbury  Clay, 

12  21 

24 
25 

,  No  pastor, 

Eber  Tucker, 

85 

1 

13 

2 
18 

2 

1 
1 

92 
134 

1   21 
12  31 

26 

E.  TCCKKE, 

6 

2 

3 

1 

128 

17  70 

27 

,  No  pastor, 

3 

28 

2 

102 

14  25 

28 

Thomas  Powell, 

2 

6 

1 

2 

112 

31  86 

29 

T.  Powell, 

2 

7 

1 

1 

105 

20  58 

1830 

T.  Powell, 

13 

2 

3 

2 

103 

30  GO 

31 

T.  Powell, 

36 

4 

12 

2 

138 

80  00 

82 

T.  Powell, 

21 

3 

8 

1 

8 

150 

56  96 

33 

T.  Powell, 

3 

10 

1 

2 

140 

63  00 

34 

T.  Powbll, 

83 

11 

10 

2 

220 

56  05 

35 

T.  Powell, 

18 

3 

17 

5 

6 

210 

77  18 

36 

T.  Powell,* 

2 

4 

19 

3 

2 

192 

78  88 

37 

Aaron  Seamans, 

6 

21 

4 

1 

172 

88  62 

38 

J.  B.  WlLKINS, 

7 

10 

14 

3 

1 

171 

49  74 

39 

J.  B.  WlLKINS, 

14 

3 

4 

4 

2 

173 

152  19 

1840 

John  Goadby, 

11 

31 

2 

129 

59  06 

41 

J.  GOADBY, 

2 

9 

12 

3 

4 

126 

37  88 

42 

W.  B.  Curtis,  J.  Goadby, 

63 

5 

4 

2 

2 

2 

196 

111  25 

43 

W.  B.  Curtis, 

4( 

22 

1 

10 

4 

4 

238 

41  00 

44 

W.  B.  Curtis, 

7 

3 

2 

13 

10 

4 

224 

171  42 

45 

W.  B.  Curtis, 

9 

3 

10 

10 

1 

219 

99  50 

46 

W.  B.  Curtis, 

1 

7 

1 

75 

12 

3 

121 

378  88 

47 

W.  B.  Curtis,  " 

1 

1 

5 

8 

3 

119 

118  76 

48 

,  No  report, 

■ 

119 

49 

C.  G.  GURR, 

9 

8 

1 

92 

102  31 

1850 

C.  G.  GURR, 

4 

12 

1 

1 

101 

30  00 

51 

C.  G.  Glre, 

8 

4 

2 

1 

97 

65  £0 

52 IE.  B.  Ceandall* 

3 

3 

1 

86 

MOREAU  CHURCH,  N.  Y.,  constituted  about  1795. 


1797  Calvin    Hulbert,    (Church 
I     called  1st  Saratoga,) 

98  C.  Hulbert, 

99!c.  Hulbert,  (Northumber 
land  for  years,) 
1800  C.  Hulbert,  No  report, 

OIJC.  Hulbert,*         " 

02, , 

03 'Joseph  H.  Ellicb, 

04  J.  H.  Ellice,  No  report, 


6 
16 

4 

2 
14 

1 

46 
51 

67 
67 
67 
67 
31 
81 

428 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


MOREAU  CHURCH CONTINUED. 

Bap 

c-i 

Sc 

a 

O  F3| 

O 

^ 

Monies 

A.   D. 

Pastoes  and  Ministers. 

H 

3 

R 
0) 

00 

SO     ■■ 

o 

a 

w 

H 

FOR 

tiz'd. 

S 

p 

>• 

Bknkv. 

Dismissed  to  Saratoga. 

05 

,  (Ch  called  Moreaii,) 

43 

06 

,  No  pastor, 

3 

3 

31 

07 

,        " 

2 

1 

3 

29 

■     2  00 

08 

,        " 

29 

09 

,  No  report, 

1 

27 

1810 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

28 

11 

t 

G 

17 

12 

u 

14 

13 

,  No  report, 

14 

,         " 

15 

,  James  Rogers, 

12 

16 

,  No  report, 

12 

17 

,  Letter  sent, 

12 

33 

18 

,  No  pastor.  Revival ! 

88 

2 

2 

4 

1 

62 

19 

,  No  report, 

1820 

Elisua  Blakeman, 

2 

55 

21 

,  No  pastor. 

2 

3 

1 

1 

59 

22 

,  No  report, 

59 

28 

,  No  pastor, 

4 

I 

47 

24 

Charles  Williams, 

12 

5 

1 

63 

25 

3 

5 

1 

57 

26 

> 

2 

I 

3 

61 

27 

9 

2 

46 

28 

1 

4 

2 

40 

29 

3 

1 

43 

1830 

.. 

4 

3 

2 

37 

31 

. 

1 

1 

1 

37 

82 

John  C.  Holt,  (i  time,) 

52 

9 

4 

3 

8 

88 

5  50 

33 

J.  C.  Holt, 

9 

6 

1 

10 

1 

95 

28  16 

34 

, 

18 

1 

36 

1 

11 

66 

3  76 

35 

Anson  Brown,        • 

1 

10 

9 

37 

36 

Harvey  Sladk, 

3 

1 

3 

35 

4  25 

37 

,  Letter, 

35 

6  00 

88 

J.  H.  DWYER,* 

10 

3 

4 

2 

42 

6  75 

39 

Joseph  W.  Sawyer,  i  time, 

1 

1 

4 

2 

33 

13  50 

1840 

,  No  repoit, 

41 

R.  0.  DWYER, 

3 

4 

2 

3 

26 

3  88 

42 

R.  0.  DWYEE, 

3 

3 

26 

2  01) 

43 

,  Letter  sent. 

5 

2 

2 

1 

1 

32 

44 

,  Ebenezer  Hall, 

4 

1 

27 

45 

E.  Hall, 

3 

9 

22 

1  37 

46 

E.  Hall, 

1 

21 

47 

,  L.  L.  Still, 

1 

20 

SEC.  111.] 


CHUHCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


429 


MOREAU    CHURCH — CONTINUED. 


48 

49 

1850 


Pastors  and  Ministees. 


,  Amos  R.  Wells, 

. . . .,  No  report, 

George  Fisuer,  i  time, 
51  G..  Fisher,  ^  time, 
5?  G.  Fisher,        " 


Bap  '  m 
tiz"d  '^- 


2    2 

5l 
2i  1 


1 


30  00 
18  46 


NASSAU,  (First)  Church,  const'd  in  1805. 


Called  Phillipst'n  till  1809. 

1807 

,  No  pastor, 

52 

08 

,         " 

6 

2 

56 

09 

,         " 

37 

4 

89 

1810 

Ephuaim  Harris,  Benjamin 

Calkin, 

2 

2 

2 

1 

86 

$10  86 

11 

E.  Harris, 

5 

1 

1 

89 

12 

E.  Harris, 

3 

1 

91 

13 

Enoch  Ferris.  (Eld.  Harris 

died.) 

8 

1 

6 

89 

21  44 

14 

E.  Ferris, 

22 

4 

1 

I 

108 

8  69 

15 

E.  Fkrris, 

11 

3 

3 

1 

112 

6  06 

16 

,  No  pastor. 

4 

3 

3 

1 

109 

10  00 

17 

,  B.  Dotp,  John  Harris. 

27 

2 

1 

8 

130 

6  83 

18 

John  Harris, 

28 

2 

5 

2 

1 

152 

16  83 

19 

J.  Harris, 

23 

1 

11 

3 

3 

159 

21  75 

1820 

J.  Harris, 

11 

4 

1 

3 

2 

2 

168 

11  85 

21 

J.  Harris, 

40 

"i 

1 

9 

4 

1 

202 

29  25 

22 

J.  Harris, 

3 

4 

n 

4 

2 

192 

7  06 

23 

J.  Harris,  Erastus  Doty, 

1 

1 

1 

6 

187 

39  50 

24 

J.  Harris, 

2 

7 

3 

1 

178 

7  16 

25 

J.  Harris, 

27 

5 

1 

198 

10  00 

26 

J.  Harris, 

3 

4 

2 

2 

1 

200 

7  00 

27 

J.Harris,  Charles  C.  Wil- 

liams, 

4 

3 

6 

3 

198 

6  88 

28 

,  Philip  Roberts,  jr. 

1 

t. 

9 

2 

1 

196 

9  17 

29 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

50 

4 

2 

140 

10  75 

1830 

J.  Hull,  F.  Roberts,  jr. 

13 

10 

2 

2 

139 

26  81 

SI 

J.  Hull,  P.  Roberts,  jr. 

19 

2 

1 

3 

3 

3 

152 

10  00 

32 

J.  Hull,* 

34 

4 

2 

7 

2 

1 

182 

21  66 

33 

Erederick  S.  Parke, 

8 

6 

1 

6 

1 

2 

188 

11  47 

84 

F.  S.  Parke, 

4 

5 

4 

S 

150 

30  00 

35 

,  No  pastor. 

3 

2 

27 

122 

13   14 

36  Merrht  House, 

4 

4 

5 

2 

123 

17  84 

37  M.  House, 

S 

1 

6 

1 

2 

118 

38  M.  House, 

53 

4 

5 

2 

1 

163 

12  00 

430 


SlIAFTSBURy  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


NASSAU,  (First)  Church — continued. 


t-?o 

U 

Oi 

K 

^T; 

H 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 
tiz'd 

I 
6 

1 

a 
3 

o 



r 
0 

Ik 

lent 
Monies 

89 

M.  House, 

1 

1 

163 

62  69 

181(' 

David  Foot, 

2 

3 

12 

33 

1 

1 

122 

41 

D.  Foot, 

12 

3 

1 

6 

3 

2 

127 

8  25 

42 

D.  Foot, 

3 

2 

5 

] 

182 

19  00 

43 

Wm.  E   Waterbuet,* 

15 

1 

2 

5 

2 

134 

22  60 

44 

Wm.  E.  Watebbory, 

2 

J 

3 

1 

3 

111 

45 

Wm.  E.  Waterbuby, 

1 

1 

1 

5 

107 

33  00 

46 

P.  W.  Ambler,  W.E.  Wa- 

terbury, 

4 

4 

1 

1 

10.') 

19  25 

47 

E.  L.  Lyon,  P.  W.  Ambler, 

1 

S 

103 

21   28 

48 

P.  W.  Ambler, 

12 

2 

6 

107 

27  07 

49 

J.  D.  Rogers,*  P.  W.  Am- 

bler, 

7 

3 

1 

110 

19  35 

1850 

P.  W.  Ambler,  Wm.  E.  Wa- 
terbury. 

1 

109 

12  88 

51 

p.  W.  Amslee, 

12 

2 

95 

27  09 

62 

P.  W.  Amblke,  W.  E.  Wa- 

terbury, 

2 

3 

8 

97 

88  7.'i 

NASSAU,  (Second)  church,  N,  Y.,  const'd  in  1820. 


1822 

,  David  W.  Elmore, 

38 

88; 

*8  25 

23 

,  No  pastor. 

4 

2 

1 

31 

9  31 

24 

,  B.  W.  Elmore, 

2 

1 

1 

33i 

10  00 

25 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

381 

8  60 

26 

" 

1 

2 

35: 

10  62 

27 

" 

1 

34* 

14  00 

28 

,  Letter  sent. 

1 

1 

29 

7  64 

29 

" 

2 

0 

29 

8  00 

1830 

,  No  pastor. 

29 

31 

,  Letter  sent. 

1 

3 

o 

30 

5  00 

82 

Philip  Roberts,  jr. 

19 

2 

8 

1 

42 

2  00 

33 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

2 

4 

1 

44' 

5  18 

34 

" 

2 

5 

1 

5 

47 

10  0(t 

85 

Platt  Betts, 

14 

9 

1 

7 

1 

2 

60 

36 

P.  Betts, 

1 

7 

2 

52 

0  00 

87 

P.  Betts, 

3 

8 

1 

46 

38 

P.  Betts,*  Letter  sent. 

8 

3 

1 

7 

1 

1 

5(1 

39 

N.  Lewis,* 

1 

2 

9 

1 

89, 

1840 

N.  Lewis,*  No  report, 

39 

41 

N.  Lewis,* 

1 

1 

4    5 

2 

coj 

5   25 

42 

Wm.  Harris, 

1 

1 

33 

7  OS 

43 

,  No  pasttir, 

3 

2 

2 

2 

31 

4  50 

44 

P.  W.  Ambler, 

1 

2 

29| 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


431 


NASSAU,  (Second)   church — continued. 


1 

f    ?3,  O 

a  Ki 

O 

H 

Bknevo- 

A.  D.     Pastors  and  Ministees. 

Bai- 
tiz'd 

1 
9) 

O 

V, 
o 

r 

o 

> 

I.ENT 

Monies 

45  P.W.  Ambleb,  (Ass'n  here.) 

2 

•2 

26 

21   90 

46 ,  No  pastor, 

2 

1 

27 

2   15 

47l ,         " 

1 

2 

1 

25 

48 ,  No  report,, 

26 

49' ,  No  pastor  still, 

3 

2 

21 

185o'a.  G.  Bowles, 

1 

1 

1 

22 

ol' ,  No  report, 

22 

52  H.  J.  S.  Lewis, 

7 

29 

8  36 

PITTSFIELD  CHURCH,  Mass.,  Constituted  about  1772. 


1785 

. . . .,  No  minutes. 

19 

86 

Valentne  Rathbun, 

7 

1 

1 

24 

87 

V.  Rathbun,* 

24 

88 

V".  Rathbun, 

24 

89 

V.  Rathbun, 

24 

1790 

V.  Rathbun, 

24 

91 

V.  Rathbun, 

9 

2 

31 

92 

V.  Rathbun, 

31 

93 

V.  Rathbun,* 

31 

94 

V.  Rathbun,* 

31 

98 

V.  Rathbun,  Church  drop'd 
from  Association. 

1807 

John  Francis, 

40 

08 

J.  Francis, 

1 

89 

4  GO 

09 

J.  Francis, 

2 

41 

6  10 

1810 

J.  Francis,* 

2 

2 

1 

39 

2  00 

11 

J.  Francis, 

4 

44 

5  25 

12 

J.  Francis, 

10 

1 

53 

4  45 

13 

J.  Francis, 

53 

3  06 

14 

(Pastor  died,) 

6 

2 

67 

4  07 

15 

No  pastor, 

57 

16 

2 

1 

2 

56 

2  50 

17 

_ 

2 

1 

54 

18 

1 

1 

54 

19 

4 

3 

55 

1820 

55 

21 

54 

22 

54 

23 

Augustus  Beach, 

62 

24 

A.  Bkaoh, 

1 

1 

1 

59 

25 

A.  Beach, 

4 

1 

1 

63 

26 

A.  Beach, 

2 

3 

62 

27 

A  B 

FA<H,  Nn  minutes, 

432 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


PITTSFIELD    CHURCH— CONTINUED. 


A.  D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

H 

so' 

to 

O 
o 

o 

r 

s 

> 

Monies 

FOR 

Benkv. 

28 

A.  Beach, 

30 

91 

29 

A.  Beach, 

8 

3 

102 

24  40 

1830 

A.  Beach,* 

8 

8 

2 

1 

116 

22  21 

31 

A.  Beach, 

20 

5 

2 

2 

136 

25  75 

82 

A.  Beach, 

27 

11 

3 

1 

1 

170 

41  87 

33 

A.  Beach, 

4 

5 

1 

4 

176 

34 

A.  Beach, 

50 

4 

10 

2 

1 

213 

36 

A.  Beach,* 

3 

1 

15 

3 

2 

125 

89  89 

36 

,  No  report. 

125 

37 

./.  M.  Blakesley, 

2 

72 

16  50 

38 

Edwin  Sandys, 

3 

11 

16 

o 

70 

26  16 

39 

E.  Sandvs, 

1 

2 

9 

6 

2 

48 

1840 

,No  pastor. 

38 

41 

,  E.  Sandys, 

1 

39 

22  25 

42 

G.  W.  Harris, 

33 

20 

!  8 

82 

31  00 

43 

A.  Kingsbury, 

32 

6 

113 

1 

106 

92  69 

44 

A.  Kingsbury, 

5 

10 

4 

111 

49  25 

45 

A.  Kingsbury, 

9 

8 

1 

110 

32  00 

46 

Bradley  Miner,   [Clark, 

12 

7 

3 

112 

153  86 

47 

B.  Miner,  E.  Sandys,  H. 

13 

2 

2 

121 

126  46 

48 

B.  Miner,  Sandys,  Clark, 

17 

8 

7 

3 

136 

49 

B.  Miner,  Sandys,*  Clark, 

3 

9 

6 

140 

1850 

B.  Miner,  Sandys,*  Clark 

70 

ly 

6 

7 

215 

108  27 

51 

L.  Porter,  Sandys,  Claek 

12 

10 

311 

2 

225 

831  05 

52 

L.  Porter,  Sandys,  Clark, 
H.  Howard, 

5 

24 

3 

1 

3 

247 

177  95 

PITTSTOWN  (first)  church,  N.  Y.,  constituted  1784. 


1792| ,  No  minutes, 

93  Isaac  Webb, 


94 
96 
96 
97 
98 
99 
1800 
01 
02 
03 
04 
06 
06 


I,  Webb, 
I.Webb.  . 

,  No  pastor, 

I.  Webb,*  (called  1  Pitts'n.) 

I.  Webb, 

Lemuel  Covell,  I.  Webb, 

L.  Covell,  I.  Webb, 

L.  Covell, 

L.  Covell,  I.  Webb, 

L.  Covell,  No  changes  given, 

L.  Covell, 

L,  Covell, 

,  No  pastor, 


9 

2 

1 

2 

99 

4 

4 

8 

91 

2 

6 

2 

84 

1 

3 

1 

1 

80 

2 

4 

1 

76 

8 

3 
1 

3 

1 

91 
86 

7 

9 

2 

1 

81 

7 

2 

86 

9 

4 

1 

90 

4 

94 

6 

2 

98 

7 

1 
6 

3 

72 
64 

$7  00 

7  66 

9  00 

10  CO 

10  GO 


ssc;.  m.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


433 


PITTSTOWN     CHURCH— CONTINUED. 


A.   D. 

! 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

t* 

eg 

09 

C 
o 

g 

6 
5 

■-3 

Benev. 

tiz'd 

H^ 

S 

►3 

r 

o 

> 

Monies 

a" 

o" 

■6 

o' 

t^ 

07 

,  do       do 

2 

62 

08 

,  No  report, 

62 

09 

Charles  Lahatt, 

62 

1810 

C.  Lahatt, 

6 

56 

2  12 

U 

C.  Lahatt.    (Xo  changes,) 

56 

5  52 

12 

C.  L-UIATT,* 

56 

3  85 

13 

C.  Lahatt,* 

56 

14 

C.  Lahatt, 

4 

52 

15 

C.  Lahatt, 

52 

16 

C.  Lahatt* 

52 

17 

C.  L.vhatt, 

15 

18 

,  No  report. 

19 

,  No  pastor. 

20 

24  02 

l«20 

, do       do 

2' 

2 

41 

21 

,  No  report, 

41 

22 

RiCHMOXD  TaGGAKT, 

54 

14 

6 

4 

1 

101 

1   00 

23 

,  No  pastor. 

5 

1 

103 

24 

,  do      do 

1 

2 

lOO 

55 

,  do      do 

3 

5 

1 

97 

5  25 

26 

;•,  do      do 

2 

1 

94 

27 

,  do      do 

10 

3 

1 

74 

28 

,  do      do 

1 

2 

1 

1 

85 

29 

,  do      do 

5 

1 

74 

2  00 

1830 

Wilber  Shernian, 

74 

31 

,  W.  Sherman,H.  Slade, 

j^ 

71 

32 

,  W.  Sherman,  H.  Sladc, 

30 

1 

1 

1 

6 

96 

33 

,  W.  Sherman^ 

13 

36 

1 

72 

34 

,  ir.  Sherinan, 

10 

2 

3 

1 

80 

35 

W.  Sherman,  Benj.  Reed, 

3 

3 

3 

3 

74 

36 

Solomon  Gale,  Jr.    (In  Hud 
son  River  Body  since  1836.) 

2 

3 

41 

87 

S.  Gale,  Jr., 

24 

6 

2 

4 

2 

70 

30  00 

38 

Harvey  Slade, 

17 

5 

10 

2 

2 

77 

16  00 

39 

H.  Slade, 

4 

4 

6 

2 

78 

5  34 

1840 

H.  Slade, 

1 

6 

2 

2 

58 

39  00 

41 

H.  Slade,* 

34 

S 

2 

5 

3 

1 

84 

12  27 

42 

H.  Slade.*     No  report, 

84 

43 

H.  Slade, 

6 

2 

1 

2 

5 

1 

65 

3  00 

44 

,  No  report,         [again, 

65 

45 

,  No  pastor.     Division 

2 

6 

1 

65 

46 

,  In  trial  s-till, 

35 

47 

,  No  official  report. 

48 

D.  S.  Deane.*     Letter  sent, 

10 

7 

5 

1  2 

1 

46 

49 

F.  Hartsvell, 

7 

8 

7 

4 

04 

434 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATIOK.  [APPENDIX. 


FITTSTOWN    CHURCH— CONTINUED. 


Pastors  &  Ministeks. 


1850 

51 
52 
53 


F,  Haetwell.*  No  returns, 
F'.  Hartwell.  (met  here,) 
F.  Hartwell,  (Association. 
F,  Hartwell, 


1  tt 
Bav\  •< 

Tiz'cl  H 


10 


9    2    2 


Monies 

FOK 

Benkv. 


POWNAL  CHURCH,  V 

T,,  CONSTITUTED 

N 

1782. 

1793  Caleb  Nichols, 

72 

94  C.  Nichols, 

64 

2 

1 

137 

95 

C.  NlCHOL3, 

10 

7 

2 

3 

136 

96 

C.  N1CHOL8, 

3 

2 

1 

129 

97 

C  Nichols, 

3 

1 

129 

98iC.  Nichols, 

3 

] 

131 

99!c.  NicuoLs,*  No  report. 

i 

131 

1800  C.  Nichols, 

in 

10 

2 

2 

128 

01  |C.  Nichols,* 

128 

02 

C.  Nichols, 

1 

126 

03 

C.  Nichols, 

1 

2 

2 

1 

121 

3  oe 

04 

,  Pastor  dcail. 

8 

8 

2 

1 

125 

3  oc 

06 

Dyer  Stark, 

1 

3 

123 

5  6' 

06 

D.  Stark, 

2 

1 

•1^4 

1  (J( 

07 

D.  Stark,* 

3 

1 

1 

120 

i8 

,  No  pastor. 

77 

5 

1 

192 

4  oc 

09 

" 

192 

2  OJ 

1810 

,         " 

11 

2 

2 

200 

4  Ot 

11 

David  Hulb£BT, 

1 

2 

6 

192 

3  0( 

12 

D.  Hulbert,* 

1 

6 

4 

l82 

13 

,  No  returns, 

182 

14 

" 

182 

16 

" 

182 

16 

George  Robinson, 

1 

10 

4 

167 

17 

G.  Robinson,*  No  report, 

2 

2 

6 

161 

18 

G.  Robinson, 

161 

19 

G.  Robinson, 

161 

1820 

G.  Robinson,* 

161 

21 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

92 

1 

69 

22 

,        " 

26 

1 

95 

2S 

,  No  report, 

24 

Edward  Green, 

31 

4 

12 

6 

97 

23 

E.  Green, 

5 

90 

26 

... .,  No  report. 

2" 

,  No  pastor. 

3 

5 

1 

93 

■-'e 

B.  Gardner,  V,  Jyani'iatcr, 

0 

1 

90 

9  3 

or 

W.  G.  Johnson, 

J) 

1 

1 

0 

88 

SEC.  ill.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


43j 


POWNAL    CHURCH CONTINUED. 


A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

Tiz'l) 

9> 

to 

d 

g 

fa 
O 

X  ■ 
o 

D 

P 

> 

Monies 

FOR 

Benkv. 

1830 

,  No  report, 

88 

31 

E.  Geeen, 

2 

8 

2 

68 

32 

E.  Green, 

10 

1 

4 

6 

1 

65 

33 

E.  Green, 

3 

o 

2 

67 

34 

Elihd  DoTCHEtt,    E.  Geeen, 

6 

73 

35 

E.  DUTCHER, 

59    5 

5 

1 

2 

107 

36 

E.  DuTCHER,* 

1 

1 

111 

37 

E.  DuTCHER,  T.  S.  Rogers, 

6 

4 

101 

38 

[.  ChILDS,  PL  DuTCHER, 

20 

1 

2 

+,   2 

lie 

39 

I.  CniLDS,  E.  DUTCUER, 

4 

4 

1 

107 

1840 

. . ..,  C  Bannister, 

4 

2 

100 

41 

,  0.  BannL'iler, 

1 

1 

6 

12 

1 

2 

82 

42 

,  C  Bannister, 

3 

4 

4 

81 

43 

D.   W.  GiFFORD, 

8 

J 

78 

44 

5 

10 

1 

3 

88 

45 

M.  Batchelor, 

16 

5 

4 

1 

3 

lOu 

46 

M.  Batchelor, 

1 

2 

1 

98 

47 

M.  Batchelor, 

1 

99 

48 

M.  Batchelor, 

13 

2 

2 

2 

110 

49 

M.  Batchelor, 

11 

2 

1 

2 

116 

1850 

M.  Batchelor, 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

118 

7  00 

51 

M.  Batchelor, 

2 

6 

1 

112 

g2 

M.  Batchelor, 

2 

1 

110 

53 

M.  Batchelor,*  No  veport, 

110 

PROVIDENCE  CHURCH,  N.  Y— constituted  in  1791. 


17«2 

93 
94 
95 
96 
97 
98 
99 
1800 
01 


02 
03 
04 
05 


,  Called  3  New  Gallo- 
way at  first, 

,  No  report  this  year, 

Jonathan  Finch, 

J.  Finch, 

— ,  (Galled  1st  Provideace,) 

J.  Finch, 

J.  Finch, 

J,  Fi.NCH,*  No  report, 

J.  Finch, 

J.  Finch,  These  2  churches 
united  this  year  aad  are 
after  called  Provideiiee. 

J.  Finch, 

J.  Finch,* 

J.  Finch, 

J.  Finch. 


67 

67 

9 

9 

3 

63 

3 

1 

2 

63 

6 

1 

{ 

63 

6 

5 

3 

61 

1 

2 

2 

1 

59 
59 

44 

7 

3 

95 

44 

2 

7 

132 

23 

3 

2 

150 

5 

155 

9 

22 

2 

2 

127 

3 

4 

126i 

$5  00 


430 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[APPKKDn 


PROVIDENCE  CHURCH — coNXiNUEa 

f 

^      itr^; 

?o  D  C  t?: 

0    r? 

3enevo* 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers.      ^^*r  ^  j 

1    1    c    S 

0    c    0-  0 

►^     0 

lent 
Monies 

06 

r.  Finch, 

5 

1 

1     131 

07 

J.  FiNCIJ, 

8 

1 

0 

133 

3  25 

08 

J.  FiNOH, 

8 

2i        2 

139 

2  50 

09 

J.  FiNcn, 

3      ! 

li        1 

13C 

4  50 

1810 

J.  Finch, 

7      1 

2         2 

139 

11 

J.  Finch, 

12      1 

1         4 

146 

9  02 

12 

J.  Finch, 

4      : 

1         3 

2    144 

13 

J.  Finch, 

32|        3 

S      8-1 

14 

J.  Finch, 

i 

5         2 

77 

15 

J.  Finch, 

37    3; 

1;        4 

1    111 

3  81 

10 

J.  Finch, 

4    2 

2i        2 

113 

17 

J,  Finch, 

2 

5!        1 

109 

18 

J.  Finch, 

6    1 

15 

8      95 

19 

J.  Finch,  No  changes  given, 

1 

95 

3820 

,  Letter  sent, 

6    1 

1  i;     1 

2      83 

21 

No  pastor, 

10 

2|        2 

80 

22 

,         " 

2    1 

4 

79 

23 

" 

6    4 

2              2 

1      85 

24 

" 

6    3 

3 

5      89 

25 

" 

3    1 

131 

80 

26 

,  Letter  sent, 

3    1 

2',        1 

81 

27 

" 

1    3 

3| 

85 

28 

,  No  pastor  yet. 

2 

I         2 

1       82 

29 

J            " 

6'        1 

2      73 

1830 

Ebenezer  Hall, 

4 

1         1 

1       75 

81 

E.  Hall, 

1 

1 

8      74 

32 

,E.  Hall, 

12    2 

1 

2      84 

33 

AnoLriius  F.  Rockwell, 

23    6 

2         1 

4    lOJ 

2  00 

34 

A.  F.  Rockwell, 

10    5 

2    2         1 

2    116 

1   00 

85 

Enoch  P.  Bi/e, 

5    5 

4    1    4 

2    107 

2  25 

36 

E.  P.  Dye, 

1)     5 

8 

2    112 

37 

E.  P.  Dye, 

9    1 

8         1 

1    107 

51  74 

88 

,  Wm.  Groom, 

3 

7        2 

1    100 

10  50 

39 

,  No  pastor, 

3    1 

6 

1       93 

1840 

//.  G.  Moshier,'^ 

11    2 

5 

2    101 

41 

H.   G-.  MOSHIKR, 

2    4 

1    1         2 

1     101 

16  00 

42 

,  No  pastor. 

26    1 

IS    1    1 

31   118 

43 

31.  H.  Negm, 

1 

9         2 

el  103 

44 

E.  P.  Dye, 

1 

4         1 

1      98 

45 

Wm.  Bog  art, 

& 

1    7        6 

1      95 

46 

,  T.  T.  St.  John, 

) 

1         4 

1       90 

47 

r.  T.  St.  John, 

6 

i        ^ 

3      90 

20  00 

48 

T.  T.  St.  John.*  No  report. 

' 

90 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


437 


PROVIDENCE  CHURCH — continued. 


A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 
tiz'd. 

?3 

a 

K 

O     Q 

O 
w 
d 

H 

>■ 
.^1 

Monies 

FOR 

Bknkv. 

49 

1850 

51 
52 

M.   H.    Negus  *  T.  T.   St 

John,* 
M.  H.   Negus,    T.    T.    St. 

John,*                    [John,^^ 
Wm.    Garnbtt,    T.   T.    St. 
,  T.  T.  St.  John, 

U 

2 

4 

5 
3 

1 
1 

2 

1 

6 
6 

4 

3 
1 
1 

3 

1 

87 

82 

98 
95 

20  98 

10  00 

145  00 
6  00 

PROVIDENCE,  (Second)   church,  N.  Y.,  constituted 
Dec.  31,  1794. 


1795 

96 

97 
98 
99 
1800 
01 


Lemuel  Covell,  (Ch.  called 

4th  New  Galloway.) 
L.  CovELL,  (2cl  Providence 
L.  Covell,  [now,) 

L.  Covell. 

,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor, 

(United  with  let  church.) 


48 

4 

1 

1 

50 

5 

55 

4 

5 
4 

1 

54 
54 
46 

RUPERT  church,  Vt.,  constituted  May  25,  1803. 


1803 

Alvin  Wales,  (In  Vermont 

! 

82 

04 

A.  Wales,       [Association,) 

40 

72 

05 

A.  Wales, 

102 

06 

A.  Wales, 

2| 

2 

3 

104 

07 

A.  "Wales, 

2 

24 

2 

73 

08 

A.  Wales, 

i> 

5 

70 

09 

,  No  pastor, 

8 

5 

1 

75 

1810 

,         " 

1 

1 

73 

1  SI 

11 

" 

1 

1 

1 

72 

12 

Peter  W.  Reynolds, 

S 

1 

1 

1 

72 

13 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

1 

1 

72 

14 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

yi 

93 

15 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

4 

1 

1 

97 

16 

P.  W.  Reynolds,* 

1 

3 

100 

3  00 

17 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

53 

10 

2 

4 

157 

18 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

11 

4 

172 

19 

P.    W.   Reynolds,   (In   the 

Manchester  Body,) 

2 

1 

2 

1 

153 

1820 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

21 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

22 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

1 

98 

23 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

4 

1 

i 

4 

1 

98 

'22 


436 


SIIAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[^APPENDIX. 


RUPERT     CHURCH  —  CONTINUED. 


^^^'^ 

r 

?o 

D  O  Ki 

O     H  1 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

8ap- 
fiz'D 

a" 

=>    2 

5 

> 

lent 
Monies. 

24 

P.  W.  Reynolds, 

26 

124 

5i5 

,  No  pastor, 

No  report  for  years. 

3 

2 

2 

2 

120 

1880 

Archibald  Wait,  (In  Man- 

56 

31 

A.    Wait,      [cheater  Body,) 

27 

5 

3 

85 

4  88 

82 

A.   Wait,  E.  Soullaed, 

71 

3 

] 

1 

1 

137 

20  GO 

33 

A.  Wait, 

2 

5 

4 

2 

139 

34 

,  No  mittutes, 

35 

hi.  H.  HAFF,(In  Washington 
Union  Body,) 

135 

36 

\V/n.  Cormack,  M.  Frary, 

4 

8 

4 

123 

28  83 

3*7 

,  No  report. 

123 

38 

,         " 

123 

39 

,         " 

1840 

" 

41 

Wm.  Grant, 

9 

2 

5 

5 

4 

84 

42 

Wm.  Grant, 

1 

4 

6 

83 

43 

,  No  report. 

83 

44 

G.  W.  Freeman, 

2 

4 

1 

65 

15  61 

45 

G.  W.  Freeman, 

7 

1 

1 

72 

16  61 

46 

G.  W.  Freeman, 

3 

1 

2 

2 

76 

4  00 

47 

Alfred  Harvey, 

1 

75 

2  00 

48 

A.  Harvey, 

5 

1 

75 

49 

Nelson  Combs, 

9 

3 

2 

3 

82 

1850 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

2 

4 

78 

8  50 

51 

,  No  report. 

78 

62 

Charles  Coon, 

2 

1 

65 

53 

C.  Coon, 

10 

4 

3 

4 

75 

30  St 

SALEM  CHURCH,  N.  Y.,  constituted  a.  d,  1790. 


1791 
92 
93 
94 
95 
96 

1802 
03 
04 
05 
06 
07 
08 


{ In   Vermont    Body   many 

Obed  Warren,  [years. 

0.  Warren, 

O.  Warren, 

O.  Warren, 

(No  minutes  for  years.) 

0.  Warren, 

O.  Warren, 

O.  Warren, 

( ).  Warren, 

O.  Warren, 

O.  Warren, 

0.  Waeren, 


61 

109 
106 

113 

82 
84 
86 
89 


6  li 


111.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


439 


SALEM    church- 

CONTINUED. 

A.    D. 

Pastors  &  Ministers. 

Bap- 

2 

Q 

B 

MoMKa 

FOE 

tiz'd 

H 

•^ 

t- 

c 

> 

►4 

o" 

11 

a 

1 

1 

140 

benev't. 

09 

0.  Warren, 

64 

6  64 

18lU 

0.  Warben, 

8 

11 

132 

11  68 

11 

0.  Warekn, 

4 

2 

3 

123 

8  87 

12 

Samuel  M.  Plumb, 

2 

12 

2 

1 

83 

13 

S.  M.  Plumb, 

6 

1 

4 

84 

13  62 

14 

0.  Wauukn, 

3 

5 

1 

86 

15 

Thomas  Baker, 

2 

2 

4 

2 

1 

76 

16 

T.  Baker,  (Id  Saratoga  As 

sociation,) 

1 

1 

3 

2 

74 

17 

T.  Baker, 

46 

4 

4 

2 

2 

116 

18 

T.  Saker, 

18 

2 

1 

7 

140 

19 

,  Letter  sent. 

1 

3 

3 

2 

139 

1820    Wm.  M'Cullek, 

4 

9 

2 

182 

21 

W.  M'OULLEF, 

2 

8 

131 

22 

W.  M'CULLER, 

1 

6 

2 

1 

134 

23 

W.  M'CULLKR, 

5 

1 

4 

3 

1 

132 

24 

W.  M'CuLLER, 

3 

2 

1 

132 

25 

W.   M'CULLER, 

9 

3 

2 

4 

3 

134 

26 

W.  M'CULLER, 

1 

1 

1 

133 

27 

W.  M'Cdller,  (In  Washing- 
ton Association,) 

124 

28 

Burton  Carpenter, 

47 

5 

6 

2 

1 

120 

14  36 

29 

B.  Carpenter, 

7 

6 

1 

9 

3 

120 

18  60 

1830 

B.  Carpenter, 

4 

3 

2 

2 

128 

20  13 

3/ 

B.  Carpenter, 

17 

4 

9 

6 

129 

32  36 

32 

,  No  report, 

129 

33 

Anthony  Cask, 

7 

1 

8 

3 

2 

130 

84  00 

34 

,  No  minutes, 

126 

35 

Daniel  Harrington, 

16 

4 

1 

105 

29  16 

36 

,  No  pastor, 

4 

2 

8 

1 

1 

102 

11  60 

37 

Archibald  Kenyon, 

12 

7 

6 

2 

60 

38 

Sidney  A.  Estee, 

31 

7 

1 

6 

1 

92 

39 

S.  A.  Estee, 

1 

3 

4 

4 

1 

87 

18  00 

1840 

Wm.  Brand,    No  report, 

41 

Wm.  Brand, 

2 

8 

65 

42 

P.  B.  FiSK, 

4 

8 

2 

1 

48 

43 

Edwin  Wescott, 

18 

3 

5 

7 

1 

61 

44 

E.  Wescott, 

28 

9 

1 

8 

91 

18  74 

45 

E.  Wescott, 

7 

1 

8 

1 

93 

6  76 

46 

James  J.  Peck, 

8 

10 

4 

2 

81 

18  00 

47 

J.  J.  Peck, 

4 

3 

1 

81 

3  12 

48 

J.  J.  Peck, 

20 

6 

1 

1 

93 

8  25 

49 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

1 

97 

6S  61 

1850 

WiNTHROP  Morse, 

5 

1 

2 

2 

98 

40  66 

440 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX. 


SALEM  CHURCH — continued. 


A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 

tiz'd 

w 

s 
2 

o 

Q 

8 

r 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 

.  51 

W.  MoESE,  D.  Eldridge, 

8 

2 

99 

59  88 

52 

Oscar  F.  A.   Spinning,  D. 

Eldridgk, 

1 

1 

1 

in 

269  96 

■  63 

0.  F.  A.  Spinning,  D.  El 

DRIDGE,  S.  A.  ESTKE, 

14 

12 

11 

5 

5 

122 

16  6.S 

SANDISFIELD  church,  Mass.,  constituted   in    1779. 


86 

Joshua  Morse,*  No  report, 

1 

50 

88 

J.  Morse, 

1 

50 

89 

J.  Morse, 

9 

59 

1791 

J.  Morse, 

24 

2 

5 

64 

93 

J.  MoR8E,* 

11 

1 

88 

94 

J.  Morse,* 

88 

95 

J.  Morse,* 

88 

96 

,   Pastor  tlead, 

9 

4 

2 

2 

89 

97 

,         " 

1 

1 

1 

88 

98 

,         " 

1 

1 

2 

86 

99 

,         " 

76 

2 

162 

1800 

Jksse  Hartwell, 

9 

2 

3 

165 

91 

J.  Hartwell,* 

165 

02 

J.  Haetwell, 

3 

8 

1 

158 

$2  60 

03 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

1 

1 

157 

-    04 

J.  Hartwell,* 

8 

3 

2 

2 

154 

06 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

4 

1 

1 

149 

6  00 

06 

J.  Hartwell, 

2 

4 

1 

119 

07 

J.  Hartwell, 

21 

2 

138 

3  00 

08 

J.  Hartwell, 

3 

1 

2 

3 

185 

09 

J.  Hartwell, 

2 

2 

131 

1810 

J.  Haitwell,* 

131 

11 

J.  Hartwell, 

S 

1 

1 

2 

124 

12 

J.  Hartwell, 

4 

1 

2 

129 

13 

J.  Hartwell,* 

129 

14 

J.  Hartwell, 

4 

1 

1 

3 

128 

15 

.1.  Hartwell, 

2 

3 

I 

2 

125 

16 

J.  Hartwell, 

29 

2 

154 

44  81 

17 

J.  Hartwell, 

6 

2 

3 

144 

17  20 

18 

J.  Hartwell,* 

12 

6 

1 

1 

148 

22  92 

19 

J.  Hartwell,* 

148 

1820 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

1   3 

147 

5  42 

21 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

4 

142 

7  15 

22 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

4 

3 

136 

23 

J.  Hartwell, 

2 

1 

4 

129 

60 

SEC.   III.] 


churches:  statistics. 


441 


SANDISFIELD   church — continued. 


r^  fO( 

O 

D 

P3 

p 

H 

Benevo- 

A.  D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 
[iz'd 

S8 

O 

s 

ss 
o 

o 

C 

5 

o 
> 

lent 
Monies 

24 

J.  Hartwell, 

8 

124 

$3  00 

25 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

3 

120 

26 

J.  Hartwell, 

1 

4 

3 

114 

8  06 

27 

Letter  by  Elder  Doty, 

2 

I. 

1 

U'l 

28 

[Joined  the  Berkshire   As- 
sociation.] 

29 

,  No  pastor. 

8 

I 

64 

21  72 

1830 

Henry  C.  Skinneb, 

2 

4 

1 

5 

54 

17  00 

31 

H  ,C.  Skinner, 

5 

2 

1 

1 

1 

58 

32  00 

8-2 

,  Letter, 

1 

57 

33 

John  Wilder, 

6 

1 

1 

2 

58 

4  03 

84 

J.  Wilder, 

1 

59 

13  56 

86    J.   WiLDKU, 

] 

1 

4 

2 

54 

8  75 

36  'J.  "WiLDKE.               [united,) 

1 

2 

1 

2 

49 

25  41 

37 

J.  Wilder,    (The  2  churches 

81 

39  56 

38 

,  Edwin  0.  Sears, 

3 

8 

2 

90 

8  60 

39 

James  Squire, 

5 

6 

2 

95 

31  00 

1840 

J.  Squire, 
John  Higby, 

2 

2 

5 

2 

92 

28  03 

41 

26 

10 

3 

2 

2 

118 

73  Co 

42 

J.   HiGBY', 

7 

7 

2 

3 

127 

91  60 

43 

J.  Higby, 

21 

12 

2 

1 

167 

67  20 

44 

J.  Higby, 

3 

1 

2 

3 

154 

66  06 

45 

J.  Higby, 

2 

1 

5 

l.-iO 

73  50 

46 

JosnH  T.  Smith, 

1 

6 

6 

1 

4 

147 

71  13 

47 

J.  T.  Smith,  A.  B.  Hubbard, 

11 

9 

6 

2 

159 

88  42 

48 

J.  T.  Smith,  A.  B.  Hubbard, 

2 

6 

4 

1 

1 

161 

81  73 

49 

J.  T.  Smith,  A.  B.  Hubbard, 

14 

2 

1 

12 

2 

3 

161 

108  50 

1850 

J.  T.  Smith,  A.  B.  Hubbard, 

10 

i:; 

1 

145 

118  49 

51 

J.  T.  Smith,  A.  B.  Hubbard, 

1 

) 

145 

155  07 

52 

T.G.Wrigiit.A.  B.  Hubbard, 

8 

8 

6 

j 

1 

8 

151 

86  00 

SARATOGA  SPRINGS  church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  1793. 


1794 

(Called  2  Saratoga   for  yra. 

22 

95 

,  No  pastor, 

4 

26 

96 

,         " 

3 

1 

28 

97 

,         " 

3 

31 

98 

,  No  account  from. 

31 

99 

,     ,  .              " 

31 

1800 

,  No  pastor. 

14 

40 

01 

Elisha  P  Lang  worthy, 

6 

2 

1 

44 

02 

E.  P.  Langworthy, 

12 

56 

2  00 

03 

E.  P.  Langworthy,* 

6 

1 

2    1 

56 

1  00 

442 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APPENDIX, 


SARATOGA  SPRINGS  Church— continued. 


04 
06 
06 
01 
08 
09 

1810 
11 
12 
13 
14 
If) 
16 
11 
18 
19 

1820 

21 

22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 

1830 
31 
32 
33 
34 
85 
36 
37 
38 
39 

i840 
41 
42 
43 
44 
46 
46 


Pastors  and  Ministers. 


E.  P.  Langworthy, 

,  No  report, 

E.  P.  Langworthv, 
E  P.  Lang  worthy, 
E.  P.  Langworthy,* 
E.  P.  Langworthy, 
E.  P.  Langworthy, 
E.  P.  Langworthy,* 
E.  P.  Langworthy, 
K.  P.  Langworthy,* 
E.  P.  Langworthy,* 
E.  P.  Langworthy, 

E.  P.  Langworthy, 
Francis  Wayland, 

F.  Wayland,   E.   P.    Lasg- 

WORTHV,*  [worthy,* 

F.  Wayland,  E.    P.  Lang- 

F.  Wayland, 

E.  P.  Langworthy, 

E.  p.  Langworthy,* 

E.  P.  Langworthy, 

,  Wo  pastor. 


Joshua  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher,  L.  Covell, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  F^letchlr, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J   Fletcher,  [Haff, 

J.    Fletcher,     Heman     H. 

J.  Fletcher,  H.  H.  Haff, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 

J.  Fletcher, 


Bap- 
tiz'd 

7i 
w 

CO 

H 

0) 

a 

P3 

o 

•r 

t?3 

o 
r 

a 
s 

p 

9 

1 

64 

6 

1 

1 

68 

16 

8 

2 

1 

78 
78 

9 

10 

3 

2 

72 

16 

2 

1 

94 

1 

5 

1 

2 

76 

42 

118 

30 

2 

2 

144 

7 

2 

1 

148 

2 

1 

7 

3 
3 
3 

2 
1 

1 

144 
140 
129 

12 

6 

4 

3 

1 

138 

15 

8 

11 

1 

1 

148 

8 

7 

2 

1 

162 

10 

6 

i. 

2 

93 

8 

8 

4 

1 

2 

103 

8 

6 

3 

97 

1 

6 

6 

1 

1 

92, 

18 

9 

8 

6 

1 

iisj 

6 

3 

7 

1 

1091 

1 

3 

6 

1 

1 

105 

5 

2 

3 

3 

105 

4 

1 

2 

6 

4 

99' 

7 

4 

1 

2 

4 

10-2 

39 

16 

1 

4 

2 

149 

9 

15 

1 

6 

3 

158 

11 

12 

1 

11 

3 

3 

164 

6 

4 

19 

7 

2 

147 

66 

8 

1 

9 

2 

4 

207 

6 

6 

17 

6 

4 

191 

1 

8 

1 

11 

3 

5 

182 

12 

14 

2 

17 

9 

3 

175 

2 

4 

8 

1 

3 

169 

6 

17 

1 

10 

2 

1 

162 

59 

9 

7 

11 

1 

214 

9 

10 

4 

1 

208 

6 

16 

2 

5 

3 

228 

44 

25 

2 

20 

11 

3 

266 

3 

6 

15 

2 

8 

255 

4 

11 

5 

4 

239 

3 

6 

28 

3 

2l 

215 

Monies 

FOE 

Benev. 
1   55 


4  03 
6  61 

8   18 
25  00 

2  00 


2  46 
12  68 
16  00 

1  50 

8  50 

2  00 

3  00 
54  42 

8  91 
11   18 

11  84 
8  50 

12  00 
34  40 
37  64 
50  69 
40  1« 
44  32 

165  46 
282  37 
102  16 
152  54 
210  89 
92  35 
334  90 
154  05 
189  00 
194  28 
111  26 


sjjc.  ni.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


443 


SARATOGA  SPRINGS 

CHURCH 

CONTINUED. 

A.  n. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 

tiz'd 

S    w 

"  i   ° 

y 

9    1 
27    ] 

ifi;  1 

29     I 

O 
o" 

5 
5 
8 
6 
22 
12 

o 
o 

21 

o 
c- 
a" 

2 
2 
5 

3 

7 

C 
S 
o 

1 
4 
2 
7 
4 

O 
> 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 

47 
48 
49 
1850 
51 
52 

,  J.  Fletcher, 

A.  KiNGSBCRY, 

A.  Kingsbury, 

A.  H.  Stowell, 

A,  H.  Stowell,  H.Slade, 

A.  H.  Stowell,  H.  Slade,* 

2 
15 
63 
18 

4 

201 
182 
190 

275 
286 

14  00 
214  25 

76  25 
114  67 
320  81 
522  19 

SAVOY  (First)  church,  Mass.,  cokst'd  about  1786. 


1790 
91 

92 


— ,  (Church  called  Bullock's 

,  [Grant  at  first.) 

,  No  minutes, 

93 jN.    Haskins,    (No   changes 
94  |N.  Haskins,         [for  years,) 
99  N.  Haskins,  (Church  called 
Savoy,) 
N".  Haskins,*  No  report, 
N.  Haskins,*         " 
N".  Haskins,*         " 
,  Pastor  died, 
,  No  pastor, 


1800 
01 
0-2 
03 
04 
05 
06 
07 
08 

1811 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 


,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor, 

,  No  report  for  years, 

Philip  Pearce, 

P.  Pearce,* 

P.  Pbarce, 

P.  Pearce, 

P.  Pearce,*  No  report, 

P.  Pearce,*  Letter, 
njP.  Pearce,* 

18J ,  No  report, 

19j ,         " 

1820!Asa  Todd, 
21 1  A.  Todd,*  No  report, 

221 ,  No  pastor, 

28  David  Woodberry, 

24  D.  Woodberry, 

25  Benj.  F.  Remington, 

26  B.  F.  Remington, 

29*6.  F.  Remington,  (In  Berk- 
!     shire  Association,) 
1830,  B.  F.  Remington, 
3 1 '  Gcorc/r   Walker, 


21 


12 


1     1 

1    3 


57 
56 

55 
55 

32 

32 

32 

32 

89 

112 

107 

107 

167 

39 
43 
53 
53 

54 
44 
44 

34 

42 
41 
71 
99 
109 


101{     24  70 

102!     28  55 

95i     24  07 


444 


SHAFTSBUHY    ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


SAVOY    CHURCH- 

-CONTINUEr 

. 

r 

C 

t-l 

K 

D 

H 

Monies 

A.   D. 

Pastoks  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

to' 

0 

a" 

so 

o 

•A 
a 

o' 
3 

p 

FOR 

Benkv. 

32 

Nathaniel  M'Cullock, 

1 

2 

19 

1 

76 

8  56 

33 

N.  M'Cullock, 

20 

3 

1 

2 

1 

96 

7  80 

34 

,  Roswell  P.  Whipple, 

1 

2 

8 

3 

2 

86 

16  54 

86 

R.  P.  Whipple, 

1 

4 

2 

4 

76 

10  25 

86 

E.  P.  Whipple, 

9 

2 

fa 

2 

2 

78 

2  00 

37 

R.  P.  Whipple, 

1 

1 

4 

2 

74 

38 

Amos  Dkming, 

2 

9 

1 

64 

39 

A.  Deming, 

1 

2 

2 

y 

69 

1840 

A.  Deming, 

3 

5 

2 

1 

2 

2 

64 

3  06 

41 

A.  Dkming, 

1 

4 

3 

3 

63 

9  86 

42 

A.  Deming, 

4 

3 

1 

2 

68 

32  10 

43 

A.  Deming, 

31 

6 

1 

1 

1 

1 

103 

15  60 

44 

A.  Deming, 

4 

98 

16  85 

45 

A.  Deming, 

1 

2 

3 

1 

93 

19  07 

46 

A.  Deming, 

1 

.:> 

89 

41  24 

47 

A.  Deming, 

1 

2 

1 

87 

70  05 

48 

A.  Deming,* 

10 

1 

1 

o 

1 

97 

42  70 

49 

A.  Deming. 

1 

2 

1 

1 

92 

82  40 

1850 

A.  Deming, 

1 

1 

6 

o 

85 

27  17 

51 

A.  Deming, 

2 

1 

2 

2 

3 

3 

82 

46  87 

62 

— — ,  No  pastor, 

2 

3 

2 

79 

18  85 

SCHENECTADY  Church,  N.  Y.,  const'd  in  1822. 


1823            ,  JJavid  W.  Ehnore, 

46 

24 1  Nathan  N.  Whiting, 

21 

5 

1 

1 

71 

25 

John  Coopek, 

12 

IL' 

7 

3 

1 

78 

26 

J.  Coopek, 

4 

9 

3 

6 

1 

80 

27 

J.  COOPEE, 

18 

7 

102 

28 

,  No  pastor, 

7 

5 

11 

1 

1 

100 

29 

,          " 

1 

6 

o 

80 

1830 

RiCMHOND  TaGGART, 

5 

5 

1 

79 

31 

,  No  pastor. 

o 

'^ 

1 

8, 

2 

70 

32 

Abraham  D.  Gillette, 

48 

17 

1 

10; 

3 

2 

122 

60  00 

33 

A.  D.  Gillette, 

55 

14 

1 

5i 

1 

183 

142  50 

34 

A.  D.  Gillette, 

58 

5 

1 

7 

1 

2 

242 

86  00 

35 

J.  M.  Graves, 

7 

6 

15 

3 

5 

232 

138  26 

36 

,  No  pastor. 

4 

8 

23 

4 

4 

218 

38  50 

37 

Philander  D.  Qilleit, 

42 

17 

il 

2 

243 

28  50 

38 

,  No  pastor. 

35 

3 

15 

1 

260 

26  00 

89 

CoNANT  Sawyer, 

54 

16 

1 

19 

8 

2 

285 

72  00 

1840 

C.  Sawyer, 

71 

19 

2 

46 

11 

3 

31M 

240  38 

41 

Abner  Webb, 

8 

12 

1 

33 

6 

8 

242 

40  75 

42 

Lerov  Chucrh, 

9 

16 

S 

21    8 

8 

5 

268 

20  75 

Sec.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


445 


SCHENECTADY  church— continued. 


A.   S. 

Pastors  and  MiNistEua. 

Bap 

tiz'd 

4;! 

L.  CnuRcu, 

81 

44 

L.  Church, 

3 

45 

Wm.  Aruhur,  L.  Church, 

1 

46 

Wm.  Arthur, 

1 

47 

,  Horace  G.  Day, 

3 

48 

H.  G.  Day, 

2 

49 

tl.  G.  Day, 

2 

1850 

H.  G.  Day, 

10 

81 

H.  G.  Day,  L.   Bailey, 

3 

52 

H.  G.  Day,  Norman  Fox, 

8 

53 

H.  G.  Day,  N.  Fox, 

a 

D 

K 

0 

H 

MONUCS 

0 
0" 

y. 

0 
c- 
0" 

a 

FOR 

Be:<ev. 

26 

1 

2 

6 

327 

56  00 

23 

9 

4 

304 

46  23 

27 

5 

11 

5 

2G9 

58  00 

17 

3 

5 

247 

26 

7 

2 

5 

217 

101  00 

14 

31 

16 

2 

167 

21  00 

5 

4 

1 

4 

163 

04  43 

10 

5 

3 

184 

14 

1 

5 

4 

171 

11 

5 

179 

48  50 

7 

4 

2 

3 

184 

96  50 

SCHUYLERVILLE  church,  N.  Y.,const'd  about  1790. 


(Called    let    Saratoga    for 

1791 

many  years.) 
Samuel  Rogers, 

47 

93 

S.  Rogers, 

12 

5 

2 

73 

94 

S.  Rogers, 

40 

113 

95 

S.  Rogers, 

11 

44 

0 

80 

96 

97 

,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor, 

3 

2 

1 

52 

98 

,         « 

2 

64 

99 

1800 

01 

,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor. 

1 

26 

7 
2 

4 

28 
60 

02 

Joseph  Craw, 

2 

2 

60 

03 

J.  Craw, 

8 

1 

C6 

04 

J.  Craw, 

4 

8 

61 

05 

J.  Craw, 

60 

06 

J.  Craw, 

2 

3 

1 

57 

07 

J.  Craw, 

2 

5 

1 

52 

2  37 

08 

J.  Craw, 

2 

1 

1 

53 

3  00 

09 

J.  Craw,  . 

C 

58 

3  00 

1810 

J.  Craw, 

2 

1 
1 

3 

53 
54 

3  75 

11 

J.  Craw, 

3  12 

12 
13 

>^r~',  (Elder  Craw  dead,) 
AzARiAH  Hanks, 

4 
2 

3 
5 

2 

3 
3 

52 
44 

14 
15 

,  No  report, 

John  Colby,                 > 

r. 

2 

44 
37 

16  'J.  Colby, 

10 

3 

1 

1 

48 

17  J.  Colby, 

16 

5 

1 

58 

18 

J.  Colby, 

2 

5 

2 

53 

1  00 

23 


446 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


SCHUYLERVILLE  church— continued. 


td 

tr* 

E?  ^\ 

O 

S3|° 

H 

Monies* 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministeus. 

M 

^ 

i 

ce 

?3 

o 

X  1 

P 

FOR 

o 

f> 

o 

o 

a" 

o 

t^ 

BeNE7. 

19 

j.  Colby,* 

1 

3 

51 

1820 

J.  FiNOU,    J.  CoLBV,* 

28 

] 

1 

80 

2  21 

21 

J.  Finch,  J.  Colby, 

4 

It 
1 

1 

1 

75 

22 

T.  Finch, 

2 

3 

2 

68 

23  J.  Finch,                                 | 

1 

1 

1 

65 

24 

J.  Finch,* 

1 

1 

2 

64 

25 

J.  Finch, 

8 

2 

Id 

2 

57 

2  76 

2C 

J.  Finch, 

I 

56 

■  27 

J,  FiNcn, 

1 

50 

•2ii 

J.  FiNCII, 

1 

50 

1  00 

29 

J.  Finch,*  No  report, 

50 

1830 

J.  Finch, 

6 

3 

34 

31 

J.  Finch,              [sociation,) 

1 

1 

1 

33 

32 

J.  Finch,  (In   Bottskill  As- 

1 

1 

1 

I 

36 

33 

Sylvester  S.  Parr, 

26 

7 

] 

1 

69 

16  16 

34 

S.  S.  Park, 

62 

18 

5 

1 

143 

1  60 

36 

Charles    B.    Keyes,    (Re 

turn'd  to  Saratoga  Body,) 

16 

9 

4 

3 

2 

162 

36 

, ,/.  w.  Olmstcad,   (Cb 

now  called  Schuylerville,) 

5 

8 

26 

1 

2 

142 

18  53 

37 

Jos.  W.  Sawyer, 

1 

9 

7 

3 

142 

66  40 

88 

,  No  report. 

142 

39 

Philander  D.  Gillette, 

21 

4 

16 

3 

4 

123 

51  22 

1840 

P.  D.  Gillette, 

22 

10 

4 

1 

1 

149 

11  29 

41 

J.  Murphy, 

3 

4 

6 

144 

23  00 

42 

J.  MURPIIY, 

6 

6 

2 

7 

1 

131 

34  00 

43 

Benjamin  F.  Garfield,* 

74 

8 

7 

3 

208 

28  43 

44 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

37 

20 

7 

7 

5 

251 

51  78 

45 

B.  F.  Garkield, 

1 

5 

4 

8 

6 

239 

20  00 

46 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

2 

1 

11 

2 

2 

219 

17  00 

i1 

,  No  report, 

48 

Wm.  Hutchinson, 

17 

1 

15 

3 

4 

206 

90  S5 

49 

,  No  pastor, 

206 

1850 

,         " 

1 

205 

51 

C.  B.  Keyes, 

€ 

5 

87 

1 

115 

32  60 

52 

,N-o  letter. 

115 

30  00 

SCHODACK  CHURCH,  N.  Y.,  constituted  in  1780. 


1786 
88 
89 

1791 
93 


(Ch.  called  New  Bethlehem 
— ,  No  report,  [for  yrs. 
. . .,  No  pastor, 


17 


SEC.  111.] 


CUUKCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


447 


SCHODACK  CHURCH — continued. 


D          ^ 

fc 

O 

D 

pg 

D 

"h 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 

S 

2. 

V' 

o 

a 

w 

o 

FOE 

tiz'd 

H 

o' 

2 

p 

Benev. 

94 

,  No  pastor. 

12 

1 

42 

95 

,         " 

3 

3 

1 

41 

96 

,         " 

9 

1 

1 

47 

97 

Stephen  Olmstead, 

7 

2 

1 

51 

98 

S.  Olmstead, 

4 

2 

] 

1 

53 

99 

S.    Olmsthad,    (Ch.    called 

17 

2 

5 

62 

1800 

S.  Olmstead,      [Schodack,) 

33 

2 

1 

92 

01 

S.  Olmstead, 

4 

5 

91 

02 

S.  Olmstead, 

1 

• 

8 

4 

2 

83 

03 

S.  Olmstead, 

7 

4 

1 

71 

04 

S.  Olmstead, 

10 

1 

1 

1 

78 

2  15 

05 

S.  Olmstead, 

7 

2 

2 

2 

79 

S  6(* 

06 

S.  Olmstead, 

i 

1 

C 

73 

07 

3.  Olmstead, 

2 

2 

69 

08 

S.  Olmstead, 

4 

2 

o 

69 

09 

S.  Olmstead, 

3 

2 

1 

1 

68 

24  U 

1810 

S.  Olmstead, 

2 

1 

69 

4  00 

11 

S.  Olmstead, 

1 

68 

3  00 

12 

S.  Olmstead, 

10 

3 

2 

1 

72 

4  00 

13 

S.  OlmstiJad, 

19 

1 

1 

89 

7  50 

14 

S.  Olmstead, 

2 

1 

1 

89 

21   68 

15 

S.  Olmstead, 

4 

6 

1 

1 

84 

8  25 

16 

S.  Olmstead, 

9 

2 

1 

3 

85 

10  OO 

17 

S.  Olmstead, 

21 

2 

2 

2 

100 

18 

S.  Olmstead, 

34 

7 

9 

1 

1 

130 

10  00 

19  S.  Olmstead, 

19 

3 

6 

2 

140 

34  36 

1890  S.  Olmstead, 

1 

o 

2 

2 

139 

22  GO 

21  S.  Olmstead, 

o 

2 

2 

1 

121 

21   83 

22  S.  Olmstead,  (Dism'd  mem- 

1     bers  to  form  2d  Ifassau,) 

1 

1 

35 

2 

2 

86 

17  95 

23  S.  Olmstead, 

1 

8 

2 

75 

19  75 

24  S.  Olmstead, 

9 

o 

2 

5 

80 

20  14 

25  S.  Olmstead, 

2 

3 

1 

1 

77 

20  02 

26  S.  Olmstead, 

1 

5 

1 

70 

■   18  86 

27  S.  Olmstead, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

66 

20  07 

28  S.  Olmstead, 

I 

2 

1 

64 

15  44 

29  S.  Olmstead,  D.  W.  Elmore, 

o 

2 

4 

1 

63 

18  22 

1830  S.  Olmstead,  D.W.  Elmore, 

2 

1 

60 

31  S.  Olmstead,     [died  1832,) 

3 

1 

1 

1 

64 

25  40 

32  C.  C.  Williams,    (Elder   0. 

16 

1 

18 

1 

66 

.22  62 

33  C.  C.  Williams, 

8 

4 

6 

o 

67 

21   GO 

84  David  Kord,  (Dism'd  from 

1 

] 

6 

1 

1 

58 

7  IS 

38  Joseph  D.  Rogees,  [Body,) 

10 

5 

3 

48 

39  William  Harris, 

2 

1 

49 

10  87 

448 


SIIAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION, 


[appendix^ 


SCIIODACK    CHURCH CONTINUED. 


t-i|p3 

t1 1^ 

K 

n 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

TIZ'U 

2 

a 
t- 
c" 

5 
p 

o 

FOR 

Benev. 

1840 

W.  Harris, 

1 

2 

3 

2 

47 

10  00 

41 

W.  Hauris, 

8 

1 

2 

1 

1 

44 

13  42 

42 

W.  Harris. 

10 

4 

1 

60 

33   16 

43 

W.  Harris, 

10 

1 

1 

71 

11  77 

44 

W.  Harris, 

2 

1 

3 

1 

f.9 

9  60 

45 

Alexander  Mii.ne, 

9 

2 

1 

75 

23  54 

46 

A.  Milne,  W.  Harris, 

1 

2 

2 

74 

28  17 

47 

A.  Milne,  (Elder  H.  died  in 

2 

9 

3 

1 

81 

16  GO 

48 

A.  Milne,               [1847-8,) 

4 

o 

2 

2 

3 

81 

16  00 

49 

A,  Milne, 

3 

1 

9 

3 

80 

20  00 

1850 

A.  Milne, 

10 

1 

T 

1 

78 

9  00 

51 

A.  Milne,* 

4 

1 

73 

12  50 

52 

A.  Milne, 

S 

5 

1 

68 

19  00 

SANDLAKE  CHVRcn,^  N.  Y.,  const'd  Dec.  1831, 


1836 

36 

37 
38 
89 

1840 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1850 
51 
52 


Iq  the  Hudson  Kiver  Asso- 
Orrin  Dodge,  [c'ation. 

0.  Dodge, 

,  John  G.  Barker, 

David  Ford,* 

E.  D.  Towner,  S.  Ewer, 

Merritt  House, 

Abel  Brown, 

Wm.  I.   LOOMIS, 

W.  I.  LooMis, 

E.  G.  Perry,  W.  I.  Loomis,* 

E.  G.  Perry, W.  I.  Loomis,* 

E.  G.  Perry,  W.  I.  Loomis, 

E.  G.  Perry,  "W".  I.  Loomis, 

Perry,  Loomis,  M.L.Fullkr 

Do.         do.  do. 

J.  B.  Pixley,  E.  G.  Perry, 
J.  B.  Pixley,  E.  G.  Perry, 
A.  Milne,  E.  G.  Perry, 
A. 'Milne, 


16 

4 

] 

64 

11 

5 

80 

3 

7 

1 

10 

78 

5 

6 

1 

1 

76 

7 

s 

7 

1 

78 

2 

1 

3 

1 

75 

12 

2 

3 

1 

85 

4 

4 

6 

1 

4 

80 

29 

7 

5 

4 

1 

2 

1 

109 

3 

3 

2 

3 

112 

1 

7 

1 

5 

1 

1 

114 

o 

4 

2 

4 

114 

8 

1 

1 

2 

2 

116 

7 

7 

5 

2 

1 

123 

1 

4 

1 

118 

o 

1 

11 

2 

6 

103 

7 

5 

1 

6 

2 

1 

107 

2 

5 

1 

103 

4 

•7 

4 

4 

81 

90  18 

166  50 
110  00 
luO  00 
150  00 

80  00 
100  00 
100  00 

167  17 
200  00 
250  00 
250  00 
200  00 
225  00 

37  00 

21  00 

200  00 

150  00 

150  00 


f  This  eliurcb  is  an  ofF-shoot  of  the  Schodack  and  2d  Nassau  ebbs. 
SHAFTSBURY  (First)  church,  Vt.,  const'd  1768. 

1781, An  original  churcli. 

86iN'-o  minutes  till  tliis  year, 

88 ,  No  pastor, 

89 , 

I'ZOll ,  No  returns, 


5 

1 

45 
46 

48 
47 

SEC.  HI.] 


CHURCHES  :   STATISTICS. 


449 


SHAFTSBURRY  First  Church— 

CONTINUED. 

D         ^  • 

33  C  D 

n  c    H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  &  Ministees. 

Bap-  •< 
iiz'd  « 

I    1    § 

s§  i 

FOR 

w 

3     O     o" 

o         r    . 

jenev't. 

l793 

,  Cyprian  Downer, 

2           45 

94 

C.  Downer, 

1 

1 

45 

95 



No  report, 

24 

96 



u 

24 

97 



(1 

24 

98 



" 

29 

99 

3 

1            97 

1800 

,  C.  Downer, 

73 

3    3      98 

01 

Andrew  Harpending, 

4 

1 

S    1       97 

02 

A.  Harpending, 

2    1       94 

08 

. 

2 

1            95 

4  00 

04 

Isaiah  Mattison, 

2 

4           89 

05 

I.  Mattison, 

89 

2  91 

OG 

I.  Mattison,* 

2 

2   2      87 

07 

I.  Mattison, 

19 

2    1     103 

2  00 

08 

I.  Mattison, 

1    1     101 

6  50 

09 

I.  Mattison, 

1    1       99 

4  85 

1810 

I.  Mattison, 

2      97 

3  05 

11 

I.  Mattison, 

33 

130 

12 

I.  Mattison, 

6 

136 

4  50 

13 

r.  Mattison, 

5 

1    4     126 

U 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

4         124 

15 

I.  Mattison,     [by  request,) 

3 

1 

2    124 

4  00 

16 

I.  Mattison,  (Church  dism'd 

4 

128 

19 

T.  Mattison,  (Return'd  of  its 

86 

1820 

I.  Mattison,     [o-wn  accord,) 

2 

1    1       85 

21 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

1    5 

9    1       73 

50  00 

22 

I.  Mattison, 

5    1 

3 

1      75 

15  50 

23 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

73 

10  50 

24 

I.  Mattison, 

3   6      65 

15  50 

25 

I.  Mattison, 

34    2 

1 

1       99 

10  50 

26 

I.  Mattison-, 

5    1 

1    2 

1          102 

9  75 

27 

I.  Mattison,* 

39    3 

15 

130 

8  75 

28 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

4 

2    1     127 

29 

I.  Mattison, 

1    2 

2 

1    2    125 

1830 

I.  Mattison, 

2    1 

2         126 

31 

I.  Mattison, 

1 

2     125 

32 

I.  Mattison, 

49    3 

2    3 

1    3    170 

24  12 

33 

I.  Mattison, 

4 

1 

1    5     167 

34 

I.  Mattison, 

22    1 

-       5 

3         182 

35 

I.  Mattison, 

"]     3 

6 

5    175 

3G 

I.  Mattison,  R.  R.  Bennett 

1    3 

6 

173 

37 

I.  Mattison,  R.  R.  Bennett 

1    3 

3    176 

38 

I.  Mattison,                          '       31  4 

2   2    178 

c 

23 


450 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION.  [APrENDIX. 


SHAFTSBURY  First  CnuRCH— continued. 


A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

o 
9 

c 

3 
3 

o 

1 

O 

1 
o' 

C 
3 
1 
1 
2 
3 

O 
to 
o 

►a 
a 

H 
o 

a 

D 

> 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies. 

1839 
/840 
41 
42 
43 
44 

r.  Mattison,  R.  R.  Bennett, 

I.  Mattison, 

I.  Mattison, 

I.  Mattison,  R.  R.  Bennett, 

I.  Mattison,  R.  R.Bennett, 

I.  Mattison,*  R.  R.  Bennett. 

(Church  disbanded  in  1844.) 

82 

46 

4 

5 
2 
2 

1 

3 

2 

1 
2 

148 
146 
147 
149 
158 
161 

6  00 
50  00 

SHAFTSBURY  (Second)  church,  Vt.,  constituted 
June  29,  1780. 


1781 

An  original  church. 

— 

— 

86 

,  No  report, 

34 

88 

No  pastor. 

3 

37 

89 

E.  Willovghhj, 

1 

1 

1 

87 

1791 

No  returns. 

32 

93 

1 

28 

94 



1 

31 

96 

1 

1 

1 

30 

96 

No  returns, 

SO 

97 

" 

30 

98 

" 

30 

99 

16 

5 

36 

1800 

2 

1 

38 

01 

3 

1 

1 

40 

02 

No  report, 

40 

03 

No  pastor  yet, 

2 

3 

31 

04 



No  report  for  years. 

31 

18^7 

Daniel  A.  Cobb, 

55 

28 

D.  A.  Cobb, 

7 

3 

1 

4 

1 

59 

29 

D.  A.  Cobb, 

1 

58 

1880 

,  No  report. 

58 

31 

9 

82 

,  Robert  i?.  Bennett, 

24 

2 

1 

1 

64 

S3 

R.  R.  Bennett, 

2 

2 

6 

1 

1 

61 

34 

R.  R.  Bennett, 

61 

35 

R.  R.  Bennett, 

1 

2 

60 

36 

,  No  report. 

60 

87 

)         " 

60 

38 

R.  R.  Bennett, 

2 

1 

1 

20 

40 

39 

,  No  report. 

4 

44 

IDrop'd  from  minute.q  1841. 

1 



_ 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


451 


SHAFTSBURY  (Fourth)  church,  Vt.,  constituted 
Aug.  19,  1783. 


A.  D.      Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 
i'iz'd 

t3 

w 

g 

O 

(a 
O 

Q 

o 

S 
o 

H    Benkvo- 

g           LENT 

"^     Monies 

1789 

Caleb  Blood, 

124 

1791 

C.  Blood, 

2 

3 

127 

93 

C.  Blood, 

5 

1 

127 

94 

C.  Blood, 

7 

4 

3 

125 

96 

C.  Blood, 

33 

1 

2 

1 

16(1 

96 

C.  Blood, 

4 

1 

168 

97 

C.  Blood, 

2 

2 

1 

170 

98 

C.  Blood, 

5 

2 

2 

171 

99 

C.  Blood,  Great  revival ! 

171 

2 

4 

336 

1800 

C.  Blood, 

7 

3 

2 

2 

366 

01 

C.  Blood, 

5 

3 

4 

1 

363 

02 

0.  Blood, 

2 

2 

5 

2 

356 

03 

C.  Blood, 

2 

4 

5 

4 

849 

18  94 

04 

0.  Blood, 

844 

05 

C.  Blood, 

17 

4 

4 

1 

352 

9  96 

06 

C.  Blood, 

5 

3 

2 

1 

358 

6  24 

07 

C.  Blood, 

2 

1 

355 

10  25 

08 

,  C.  Downer, 

1 

5 

298 

1  30 

09 

I.  Mattison,  (Jfimefory'ra) 

3 

4 

3 

2 

292 

4  85 

1810 

I.  Mattison, 

8 

1 

2 

289 

11  16 

11 

I.  Mattison, 

81 

8 

2 

3 

875 

36  75 

12 

I.  Mattison, 

23 

3 

3 

3 

389 

11  OO 

13 

I.  Mattison,  £lon  Galusha* 

2 

50 

t 

1 

4 

336 

14 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

f) 

3 

826 

10  OC 

15 

I.  Mattison, 

1 

4 

828 

27  64 

16 

J,  Mattison,  Elos  Galusha 

2 

1 

2 

6 

316 

17 

I.  Mattison, 

7 

0 

2 

319 

18 

,  Truman  Gahmha, 

24 

4 

339 

37  OC 

19 

I.  Mattison, 

4 

8 

1 

15 

214 

58  8S 

1820 

I.  Mattison, 

3 

7 

0 

8 

200 

21 

I.  Mattison, 

9 

5 

178 

52  2e 

22 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

1 

4 

175 

18  76 

23 

I.  Mattison, 

1 

6 

3 

167 

17  17 

24 

I.  Mattison, 

1 

2 

2 

3 

162 

15  0« 

25 

I.  Mattison, 

2 

4 

4 

4 

152 

12  82 

26 

Samuel  Savory,* 

1 

6 

1 

6 

1 

152 

15  9C 

27 

S.  Savory, 

2 

2 

4 

4 

149 

11  OC 

28 

Daniel  Tinkham, 

1 

6 

3 

2 

189 

29 

Cyrus  W.  Hodges, 

1 

8 

135 

1830 

C.  W.  Hodges, 

35'   3 

6 

3 

1 

166 

31 

C.  W.  Hodges,* 

1'   1 

1 

2 

165 

32 

C.  W.  Hodges, 

38    3 

3 

1 

2 

200 

452 


SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION.  [''^P^ENDIX. 


SHAFTSBURY  (Fourth) 

Church- 

—CONTINUED. 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

P3 

O 

O 

1 

"'I 

O 
B 
o 

c< 

Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 

1838 

,  No  pastor, 

8 

2 

0 

3 

205 

34 

Waueham  Walker, 

o 

19 

49 

8 

15 

121 

35 

W.  Walker, 

24 

8 

1 

4 

132 

86 

W.  Walker, 

1 

1 

5 

4 

126 

37 

W.  Walker, 

3 

6 

8 

1 

2 

124 

38 

Harmon  Ellis, 

4 

8 

3 

115 

39 

J.  W.  Sawyer,  H.  Ellis, 

50 

8 

7 

1 

2 

164 

1840 

J.  W.  Sawyer, 

3 

4 

G 

160 

$140  00 

41 

J.  W.  Sawyer, 

2 

2 

1 

2 

155 

104  00 

42 

J.  W.  Sawyer, 

5 

2 

1 

153 

43 

J.  W.  Sawyer, 

71 

24 

4 

2 

1 

212 

44 

J.  W.  Sawyer, 

3 

13 

1 

1 

220 

45 

Israel  Keach, 

2 

6 

5 

3 

2 

229 

100  00 

4G 

I.  Keach, 

3 

6 

7 

2 

4 

225 

120  00 

47 

I.  Keach, 

3 

1 

7 

4 

215 

100  00 

48 

I.  Mattison, 

6 

3 

8 

1 

2 

212 

49 

Lansing  Bailey, 

5 

9 

200 

1850 

L.  Bailey, 

23 

4    1 

7 

2 

215 

122  00 

51 

Aetuur  Day, 

2 

8 

3 

206 

175  00 

52]A.  DAT, 

1 

1 

4 

10 

4 

2 

170 

130  00 

53 

A.  Day, 

2 

1 

2 

4 

167 

164  35 

f  To  form  Arlington  church. 


STAMFORD  church,  Vt.,  constituted  about  1798. 

1808 
09 

,  (United  this  session.) 

,  No  pastor, 

10 

14 

1 

50 
43 

75 

1810 

J         " 

7 

5 

9 

36 

11 

Paul  Himes, 

17 

52 

12 

P.  Himes,* 

54 

9 

1 

95 

13 

,  Letter  sent. 

2 

6 

2 

2 

88 

14 

Aaron  Haynes, 

6 

2 

1 

79 

15 

16 

No  report, 
Letter  sent. 

1 

2 

1 

2 

79 
66 

17 

18 

No  pastor, 

1 

63 
65 

19 

" 

2 

1 

1 

67 

1820 

" 

C 

1 

2 

1 

49 

1  00 

21 

« 

1 

1 

1 

46 

22 
23 

26 

27 

Henry  Cady, 
,  No  report  for  years. 
No  pastor, 

1 

2 

6 

o 

5 
1 

1 

44 

26 
25 

28 

« 

1 

2" 

29 

,  No  report, 

1II.3 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


453 


STAMFORD  church — continued. 


'c- 

fo 

O  Oi  W 

O 

H 

MoNiEa 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

% 

w 

M 

E5 

so 

o 

y, 
o 

5 

FOR 

tiz'd 

'A 

o 

> 

t-' 

Benkv. 

1830 

W.  G.  Johnson, 

10 

6 

1 

1 

1 

50 

31 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

1 

5 

48 

$7  89 

32 

Truman  Hendryx, 

2 

I 

4 

4 

1 

44 

33 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

1 

89 

34 

>         " 

2 

] 

86 

35 

,  Merritt  House, 

36 

7 

3 

1 

76 

36 

,  No  report  for  2  j'ears. 

76 

88 

Ransom  0.  Dwyee, 

2 

5 

2 

1 

59 

39 

R.  0.  DwYER,             [Body, 

3 

4 

4 

63 

1840 

,  No  report.     Left  tlie 

53 

41 

,  (In  Berksliire  Ass'n,) 

49 

42 

,  A  letter  sent, 

4 

1 

4 

1 

50 

43 

J.  H.  Wells, 

6 

5 

1 

44 

44 

J.  H.  Wells.* 

4 

4 

5 

3 

46 

45 

,  J.  H.  Wells, 

1 

45 

46 

,  No  pastor. 

2 

42 

47 

,         " 

S 

3 

38 

48 

Harvey  Crowley',* 

1 

1 

38 

1  GO 

49 

H.  Crowley, 

2 

5 

3 

40 

1  00 

1850 

H.  Crowley, 

6 

3 

41 

2  00 

51 

H.  Crowlev, 

2 

1 

4 

2 

38 

10  00 

52 

D.  Avery, 

2 

3 

4 

40 

2  50 

STEPHENTOWN  Ghurch,  N.   Y.,  constituted    June 
16th,  1796. 


1797 
98 
99 

1800 
01 
02 
03 
04 
05 
06 

09 
1810 

12 
13 
14 


(Called  2nd 
[church,) 


No  report. 


Robert  Niles. 

R.  Nlles, 

R.  Niles, 

R.  Niles,* 

R.  Niles.* 

R.  Niles, 

— ,  No  pastor, 
— ,  do      do      (eh.  called 
— ,  do      do  [Stephent'n 
— ,  do      do  No  report  for 

years, 

— ,  No  pastor  yet, 

Julius  Beeman,  •  No  report 
for  2  years, 

J.  Beemax.     No  report, 

J.  Beejian, 

T.  Beeman, 


54 

8 

2 

2 

58 

10 

1 

68 

14 

S 

1 

77 
77 

3 

3 

3 

3 

73 

2 

3 

2 

1 

69 

1 

68 

1 

65 

1 

4 

3 

52 

9 

1 

1 

3 

58 

7 

2 

03 

4 

1 

4 

1 

61 

454 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appenuix. 


STEPHENTOWN  Church— continued. 

t-<  Wl 

b  o^wi 

o 

"  h"" 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers 

Bap- 

w 

33 

o    o 

S 

S 

Bbnev. 

iiz'b 

H 

H 

K_ 

'^     >-. 

o 

> 

Monies. 

58 

a 

a 

•S  o 

r* 

15 

J.  Beeman.*  No  report, 

1 

61 

16 

J.  Beman,* 

8 

0 

1 

2 

61 

17 

J.  Beeman.  Elnathan  Swett, 

118 

2 

1 

193 

18 

,  K  Sweet, 

6 

3 

4 

1 

2 

198 

^10  37 

19 

,  B.  Sweet.      No  report, 

198 

8  09 

1820 

Mathew  Jones,  E.  Sweet, 

14 

6 

1 

12 

19 

] 

185 

21 

M.  Jones, 

12 

2 

1 

4 

195 

22 

M.  Jones,* 

3 

2 

1 

2 

1 

I 

193 

2.3 

M.  Jones, 

12 

8 

1 

4 

202 

24 

M.  Jones, 

16 

3 

2 

3 

4 

212 

25 

M.  Jones,* 

5 

2 

4 

1 

199 

20 

M.  Jones,* 

19 

4 

4 

172 

27 

M.  Jones.  Precious  rcTival ! 

51 

2 

2 

5 

218 

25  11 

28 

M.  Jones,* 

10 

8 

3 

4 

1 

230 

29 

M.  Jones.*    Letter  sent, 

2 

3 

5 

2 

2 

226 

1830 

M.  Jones, 

3 

6 

10 

5 

202 

31 

M.  Jones,* 

4 

2 

4 

191 

32 

M.  Jones,*        [town  Body,) 

48 

3 

1 

11 

8 

g 

221 

33 

M.  Jones,  (Now  in  Stephen- 

2 

2 

1 

3 

1 

1 

221 

34 

M.  Jones, 

2 

1 

1 

218 

16  00 

35 

M.  Jones,* 

8 

1 

6 

6 

2 

215 

16  51 

36 

M.  Jones,* 

1 

14 

6 

3 

193 

6  GO 

37 

M.  Jones,* 

4 

2 

187 

38 

M.  Jones, 

1 

10 

6 

3 

163 

10  00 

39 

M.  Jones,* 

3 

4 

1 

14 

5 

152 

40  00 

islo 

M.  Jones,*  Dane.  II.  Grant, 

4 

1 

0 

1 

3 

147 

53  00 

41 

M.  Jones,*  D.  H.  Grant, 

6 

7 

2 

3 

1 

4 

157 

08  00 

42 

M.  Jones.*     No  report, 

157 

43 

M.  Jones,  E.  Sweet,* 

5 

3 

2 

16 

9 

141 

44 

M.  Jones,  E.  Sweet, 

2 

3 

2 

10 

3 

3 

132 

77  09 

45 

E.  Sm'eet,  M.  Jones, 

132 

46 

E.  Sweet,  M.  Jones, 

2 

3 

1 

6 

125 

10  01 

47 

E.  Sweet,  M.  Jones, 

4 

2 

1 

13 

3 

114 

48 

E.  Sweet,  M.  Jones, 

83 

4 

1 

i 

195 

49 

E.  Sweet  *  M.  Jones,* 

3 

2 

2 

194 

56  26 

1850 

El  Sweet,  M.  Jones,* 

2 

5 

13 

1 

2 

185 

16  00 

51 

E.  SwEi  T  *  M.  Jones,* 

3    2 

1 

1 

2 

3 

183 

28  17 

52 

E.  Sweet,  M.  Jones, 

31 

6 

7 

7 

162 

66  32 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


455 


LEBANON  SPRINGS  Church,!  N.  Y.,  const'd  1826. 


Pastors  and  Ministess. 


Bap 


1829 

1830 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

184U 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1850 
51 
52 


Edwin  Sandys,  (In  Berks'e 

E.  Sandys,  [Body,) 

E.  Sandys, 

E.  Sandys,* 

E.  Sandys, 

E.  Sandys, 

E.  Sandys, 

— ,  M.  Jones,  \  tLe  time, 
Salmon  Hatch, 
NoKMAN  N.  Wood, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
N.  N.  Wood, 
E.  Sandys,  N.  N.  Wood, 
E.  Sandys, 
E.  Sandys, 

Slmuel  B.  Willis,  E.  San 
S.  B.  Willis,  [dys,-* 

G.  S.  Stockwell, 
G.  S.  Stockwell,* 
G.  S.  Stockwell, 

,  Edward  3I'Iiendrie, 

Edward  Conover, 


16 


25 


H  Benevo- 
lent 
Monies 


74 
74 
71 
85 
85 
92 
88 
71 
7 

83 

lOf. 

107 

203 

106 

102 

99 

89 

86 

55 

52 

53 

53 

47 

50 


$4  01 

5  00 

38  32 

18  00 

31  48 
21  50 

30  10 

12  50 

19  00 
33  09 
87  25 
42  35 
80  52 
44  00 
35  10 
35  80 

32  50 
55  00 
70  00 

13  00 
22  62 
54  19 


f  This  church  was  mainly  from  the  Stephentown  church, 
STILLWATERCHURCH,N.Y.,  CONSTITUTED  ABOUT  1780. 


1786 

Lemuel  Powers, 

1 

1 

46 

88 

L.  Powers, 

6 

61 

89 

L.  Powers, 

33 

5 

80 

1791 

L.  Powers,  David  Irish, 

182 

4( 

3 

2 

232 

93 

L.  Powers,  D.  Irish, 

91 

5 

4 

2 

413 

94 

L.  Powers, 

4 

93 

6 

2 

308 

95 

L.  Powers, 

1 

7 

3 

299 

96 

L.  Powers,* 

7 

3 

255 

97 

L.  Powers, 

1 

4 

2 

254 

98 

L.  Powers, 

2 

1 

3 

224 

99 

L.  Powers,*  No  report, 

224 

1800 

,  (Elder  P.  died.)     No 
changes  given  for  years. 

1814 

Samuel    Rogers,     (Reap- 
pears in  Saratoga  Body,) 

83 

15 

S.  Rogers, 

13 

4 

8 

2 

'J 

87 

4  50 

16 

S.  Rogers,* 

1 

1 

1 

1 

124 

4  00 

456 


SHAFTSBtTRY  ASSOCIATION, 


[APPEDNiy. 


STILLWATER  church — continued. 


f 

?o 

O 

O 

M  Ol 

H 

Benevo- 

A.  D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

tiz'd 

to' 

H 

fc~4 

s 

lent 
Monies 

ISH 

3.  Rogers,*  No  report, 

124 

18 

S.  Rogers, 

C 

14 

4 

2 

106 

19 

3.  Rogers, 

2 

4 

1 

2 

109 

1820 

S.  Rogers, 

68 

7 

7 

1 

176 

1  50 

21 

S.  Rogers, 

3 

3 

1 

2 

3 

178 

22 

3.  Rogers,* 

1 

6 

5 

168 

28 

,  (Eld.  R.  died  io  Feb.) 

4 

5 

1 

158 

24 

David  Bernard, 

1 

1 

8 

3 

3 

145 

25 

,  No  pastor, 

1 

1 

6 

8 

1 

130 

26 

,         " 

9 

1 

1 

118 

27 

11 

5 

1 

1 

116 

28 

ELNATUA^f  FiNCU, 

3 

3 

1 

3 

3 

1 

115 

29 

E.  Finch, 

2 

2 

5 

75 

1880 

E.  Finch, 

1 

2 

5 

1 

72 

15  00 

31 

,  No  report. 

72 

32 

Heman  H.  Haff, 

38 

1 

211 

2 

109 

33 

2 

109 

34 

Isaac  "Wescott, 

39 

6 

13 

2 

4 

136 

35 

I.  Wescott, 

35 

11 

1  13 

1 

1 

167 

10  79 

36 

I.  Wescott, 

24 

10 

13 

2 

6 

180 

82  00 

37 

I.  Wescott, 

11 

5 

10 

1 

1 

185 

63  40 

38 

I.  Wescott, 

18 

12 

7 

2 

2 

198 

25  55 

39 

,  No  report, 

9 

112 

1840 

Israel  Keacu, 

2 

3 

3 

1 

o 

74 

1  00 

41 

I.  Keach, 

43 

3 

4 

2 

116 

10  00 

42 

1 

4 

6 

5 

102 

3  45 

43 

,  No  letter, 

31 

0 

8 

2 

118 

44 

0.  0.  Kimball, 

3 

13 

1 

107 

4  59 

45 

,  No  report. 

107 

46 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

2 

9 

102 

47 

,  No  report  for  2  years, 

1 

101 

49 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

2 

1 

3 

39 

1 

1 

60 

1850 

B.  F.Garfield, 

31 

2 

2 

1 

97 

11  64 

51    B.  F.  Garfield, 

1 

3 

2 

99 

12  00 

52    B.  F.  Garfield, 

2 

1 

101 

5  76 

STILLWATER  (Village,  or  2d,)  church,  N.  Y.,  con- 
stituted IN  1839. 


1839 

1840 
41 

42 


I.  Wescott,  (Formed  of  the 

Ist  church,) 
I.  Wescott.Thomas  Brandt 
I.  Wescott,  T.  Brandt,* 
f.  Wescott, 


89 
101 
150 
171 


250  44 

152  00 

81  33 

44  86 


SEC.  HI.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


457 


STILLWATER  chuech 

— 

CONTINUED. 

A-    D. 

Pastoes  and  Ministees. 

Bap 
tiz'd. 

SI 
S3 

i 

K 

a 

10 

o 

?: 
O 

g 

O 
p 

4 

c 
>- 

Monies 

FOR 

Benev. 

1843 

I.  Wescott, 

31 

22 

210 

81  00 

44 

I.  WEScorr, 

23 

11 

19 

1 

4 

22(1 

181  30 

45 

I.  Wescott, 

1 

8 

4 

2 

2 

221 

166  7  9 

46 

I.  Wescott,  E.  Wkscott,  J. 

A.   PiTTMAN, 

8 

10 

2 

1 

216 

279  26 

4*7 

I.  Wescott,  E.  Wescott,  J. 

A.  PlTTMAN,* 

19 

10 

9 

2 

1 

233 

838  65 

48 

I.  Wescott,  E.  Wescott,  J. 
A.  PiTTMAX  *   H.  Slade,* 
C  0.  Kimball,* 

2 

11 

2 

2 

S 

239 

338  20 

49 

[.Wescott,  E.  Wescott, 

80 

m 

16 

28 

6 

230 

360  25 

1860 

I.  Wescoit, 

19 

11 

2 

29 

10 

2 

4 

217 

242  77 

51 

Marvin  G.  Hodge, 

2 

12 

16 

2 

21411615  80 

52 

M.  G.  Hodge, 

4 

6 

. 

7 

IG 

2 

205!  401   80 

TROY,  (First)  Church,  constituted  a.  d.  1794. 


1804  Isaac  Webb, 

05  r.  Webb, 

06  I.  Webb, 

07  I  Webb, 

08  r.  Webb, 

09  I.  Webb, 
1810  I.  Webb, 

11  jr.  Webb,* 
12iFRANCi3  Wayland, 

13  F.  Wayland, 

14  IF.  Wayland, 

15  F.  Wayland, 

16  C  6".  <So/«ers,  F.  Wayland,* 
(United  to  the  Hudson 
Ptiver  Association,) 

17  C.  G.  SoMKRS, 

18  C.  G.  SOMERS, 

19  C.  G.  SOMEKS, 

1820  0.  G.  SoMERS, 

21  0.  G.  SOMERP, 

22 ,  IS'o  pastor, 

23  Leland  Howard, 

24  L.  Howaed, 

25  L.  Howard,* 

26  L.Howard, 

27  IL  HowAUD,"^ 

28  L.  Howard. 

29  I  Peter  Ludlow,  Jr., 


34 


79 

22 

46 

10 

7 

3 

2 

17 
11 

7 
30 
19 

3 


19 

0 

11 

13 

9 

6 

6 

18 

■( 

21 

6 

1 

17 

18 

13 

K 

2 

20 

11 

10 

17 

14 

26 

26 

24 

\ 

10 

161 


l5Ui 


41 

75 
76 
74 
81 
78 
79 
77 
68 
61 
67 
62 
132 


230 
244 

287 
276 


6 

4 

258 

5 

2 

267 

2 

4 

268 

9 

2 

256 

6 

4 

258 

2 

7 

260 

6 

1 

282 

5 

6 

305 

1 

257 

$28  82 
20  00 
20  00 

18  93 

19  50 
16  62 
16  25 
12  75 
11  32 
10  00 

20  69 


20  12 
11  08 
33  17 


33  69 
27  25 
17  00 

34  00 
87  40 
64  40 


24 


458 


SHAFTSBUKY    ASSOCIATION.  [APPHiNDIX. 


TROY,  (First)  Church 

CONTINUED 

• 

A.    D. 

Pastors  &  Ministeks. 

Bav 
tiz'd 

to 
f 

11 

P3 
a 

CD 

1 

O 
a 
9 

C 
o 
b' 

a 

a" 

5 

a 

H 
o 

H 
> 

MoNIEK 
FOR 

Benev. 

18S0 

Bknj.  SL  Hill, 

25 

6 

274 

114  00 

31 

B.  M.  HiL, 

102 

20 

3 

1 

3 

389 

98  00 

32 

B.  M.  HiL, 

47 

■21 

2 

26 

6 

6 

424 

350  00 

33 

B.  M.  Hill, 

19 

22 

6 

14 

6 

8 

443 

1261   00 

34 

B.  M.  Hill, 

8 

13 

1 

111 

9 

1 

357 

800  00 

S& 

B.  M.  Hill,               [well,* 

b 

41 

] 

25 

10 

4 

366 

96  50 

36 

B.  M.  Hill,  James  xM.    Has 

100 

•28 

4 

32 

3 

4 

459 

161   00 

37 

B.  M.  Hill, 

(i 

40 

b 

17 

4 

480 

If) 5  00 

38 

B.  M.  Hill,               [well,* 

79 

24 

2 

3C 

6 

5 

528 

82  00 

39 

B.    M.    Hill,    J.    M.    Has 

3 

23 

1 

16 

8 

8 

523 

201   87 

1840 

John  Cooksox,  B.  M.  Hill, 
J.  M    Haswkll,* 

155 

41 

8 

14 

9 

8 

684 

164  65 

41 

J.  CooKsoN,   B.  M.  Hill,  J. 
M.  Haswell,* 

8 

16 

3 

8 

6 

4 

686 

750  OO 

42 

J.  Cooks  ON,   B.  M.  Hill,  J. 
M  Haswell, 

20 

14 

3 

12 

7 

7 

697 

729  00 

■    43 

L.  0.  LovELL,   B.   M.  Hill, 
J.  A.  Haswell,* 

62 

23 

6 

112 

34 

13 

6 

453 

50  00 

44 

,   B.    M.   Hill,   J.   M. 

Haswell,* 

S 

9 

3 

45 

30 

8 

4 

387 

525  00 

45 

George  t".  Baldwin,  B.  M. 
Hill,  J.  M.  Haswell,* 

182 

16 

7 

26 

6 

5 

14 

541 

1020  00 

46 

G.  C.  Baldwin, 

1^> 

32 

16 

29 

4 

13 

e 

612 

726  00 

47 

G.  C.  Baldwin,  B.  M.  Hill, 

10 

20 

4 

19 

1 

6 

[. 

615 

460   18 

48 

G.  C.  Baldwin,           [well. 

134 

43 

19 

23 

3 

24 

8 

753 

761  24 

49 

G.  0.  Baldwin,  J.  M.  Has 

32 

31 

3 

35 

9 

12 

5 

758 

950  00 

50 

G.  0.  Baldwin,  B.  M.  Hill. 
J.  M.  Haswell,*  [well,** 

29 

12 

9 

37 

10 

7 

10 

744 

51 

G.  0.  Baldwin.   J.  M.  Has 

62 

23 

6 

28 

24 

6 

8 

769 

()70  Oo 

f2 

G.  C.  Baldwin, 

11 

26 

o 

37 

f) 

9 

9 

754 

3040  Oo 

53 

a.  V.  Baldwin 

4  9 

21 

4 

22 

19 

7 

7 

773 

2139  65 

TROY,  (North)  Chcrch,  N.  Y.,  constituted  in  1843. 

"'sTso 

4j32 
10141 


43  jLeland  Howakd, 

44  L.  Howard, 
46   L.  HowARi>, 

46  I  J.  H.  Walden,* 

47  IJ.  H.  Walden, 

48  J.  H.  Wali'ln, 

49  -Jonah  G.  W'AnKEs, 
850  J.  G.  Warren, 

51  J.  G.  Warren, 

52  J.  G.  Wabren, 

53  J.  G.  Warren, 


16  23 

1228 
63'3' 

4:15 
9  8 

lolis 

3!l3 
2i  4 


10 


I  Sll 
1121 
ljl58 
3!lG6' 
4  19i2l 
4  26.''-; 
4'257i 
2  26(i 


17  18 

29  00 

64  77 

26  03 

282  68 

28  83 

577  45 

462  00 

:>  266  1897  47 

3  241  438  80 

4  ?21  (306  81 


SEC.  HI.] 


CHURCHES  :    STAT13TIC8, 


459 


WEST  TJiOFcHUKCH,  N.  Y.,  constituted  in  1828. 


t-i 

?ci 

g 

e 

W  t) 

H 

Benev- 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap- 

3 

5 
a' 

o 

n 

S 

s 

lent 

tiz'd 

fo" 

o 

>■ 

MONIBS. 

1828 

,  (Called   Gibbonsville, 

26 

15  00 

29 

Wm.  Curtis  *  [and  W.Troy,) 

7 

3 

SO 

1830 

Ashley  Vaughn, 

8 

4 

42 

31 

A.  Vaughn, 

48 

e 

6 

2 

90 

10  10 

33 

A.  Vaughn, 

15 

6 

10 

4 

97 

121   14 

33 

A.  Vaughn, 

12 

15 

4 

3 

117 

110  00 

34 

A.  Vaughn, 

2 

16 

8 

2 

125 

10  00 

35 

Frederick  S.  Parke, 

2 

10 

25 

1 

99 

28  50 

36 

F.  S.  Parke, 

5 

25 

8 

2 

118 

23  10 

37 

F.  S.  Parke, 

27 

26 

1 

15 

3 

8 

151 

15  00 

38 

F.  S.  Parke, 

8 

18 

1 

17 

5 

3 

152 

17  50 

89 

Geo.  Phippen,  Thos.  Brandt. 

18 

9 

1 

17 

1 

3 

160 

81  00 

1810 

Thos.  S.  Rogers,  G.  Phippen, 

16 

8 

2 

16 

4 

3 

150 

29  00 

41 

T.  S.  Rogers, 

7 

6 

4 

19 

16 

1 

120 

24  OO 

42 

Charles  H.  Hosken, 

4 

14 

1 

10 

2 

4 

119 

18  46 

43 

C.  H.  Hosken, 

70 

9 

5 

10 

2 

2 

191 

24  00 

44 

Oerin  Dodge, 

13 

1 

8 

7 

1 

189 

26  00 

45 

Orein  Dodge, 

4 

15 

2 

17 

4 

13 

1 

173 

32  00 

46 

,  Xo  pastor, 

3 

8 

12 

7 

5 

153 

47 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

11 

7 

3 

154 

172  44 

48 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

3 

19 

13 

5 

3 

155 

150  00 

49 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

2 

19 

13 

6 

4 

154 

150  00 

1850 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

3 

14 

2 

12 

6 

1 

154 

51 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

12 

10 

4 

115 

540  00 

52 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

2 

8 

6 

117 

229  00 

53 

William  Arthur. 

1'  5 

1    2 

3 

119 

193  3^ 

COHOES  CHURCH,  N.  Y., 

CONSTITUTED 

IN 

June, 

1839. 

1889 

John  Duncan, 

5 

31 

40 

H.  H.  Rouse, 

9 

7 

9 

37 

41 

M.  Eastwood, 

11 

2 

6 

4 

36 

$14  01 

42 

J.  H.  DWYEE, 

6 

10 

7 

46 

8  00 

43 

,  Ko  pastor, 

13 

9 

18 

2 

1 

47 

3  25 

44 

H.  H.  Rouse, 

1 

6 

2 

1 

1 

50 

45 

Josiah  Cannon, 

1 

2 

2 

7 

40 

2  60 

46 

Sidney  Wilder, 

9 

1 

83 

3  00 

47 

S.  Wilder, 

30 

17 

16 

3 

1 

75 

6  66 

48 

B.  F.  Garfield,           [Body, 

12 

3 

2 

1 

1 

60 

49 

,  (Joined  Hudson  River 

1 

14 

13 

8 

60 

1850 

D.  Round, 

9 

15 

4 

9 

10 

2 

2 

65 

1  60 

61 

,  No  pastor, 

2 

5 

3 

61 

15  22 

.'52 

J.  E.  Kenney, 

89 

28 

2 

8 

1 

118 

110  00 

53 

J.  E.  Kenney, 

4 

7 

, 

1    3 

5 

2 

119 

126  69 

460 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


WATERFORD  church,  N.  Y 

.,  CONSTITUTED 

IN 

1821. 

Bap-  g  1 

tc 

a 

D 

t?3 

O] 

^ 

Benevo- 

A.   D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

or. 

5 

(0 

O 

X 
Q 

5 ! 

o 

H 

lent 

rizD 

►^ 
p" 

►3 

r 

°l 

Monies. 

(Set  oflf  from  the  church  in 

181J2 

John  Lamb,*    [Lansiogb'li,) 

4 

6 

1 

1 

26 

23 

J.  Lamk, 

4 

1 

31 

24 

J.  Lamb. 

e 

87 

25 

,  No  pastor. 

8 

o 

2 

46 

26 

J.  Lamb, 

4 

1 

8 

1 

47 

27 

,  Letter, 

13 

4 

3 

2 

1 

57 

28 

,  No  pastor. 

10 

11 

1 

35 

29 

,  No  pastor, 

5 

4 

26 

1830 

,  No  pastor, 

6 

32 

31 

,  Thomas  Brand, 

3 

2 

5 

8 

2 

2 

80 

32 

Thomas  Brand, 

1 

6    1 

1 

1 

2 

33 

38 

,  No  report, 

S4 

,  Letter  sent,(DismisBed 

from  the  Body,)     [Body.^ 

1 

6 

2 

26 

1840 

H.  H.  RousE,(in  the  Saratoga 

28 

2 

1 

57 

$1  Oo 

41 

Marvin  Eastwood, 

3 

5 

11 

38 

10  00 

42 

M.  Eastwood, 

7 

2 

3 

2 

1 

42 

18  02 

43 

M.  Eastwood, 

68 

10 

3 

119 

20  39 

44 

JosiAn  Cannon, 

2 

2 

8 

2 

5 

107 

27  07 

45 

J,  Cannon, 

2 

5 

6 

8 

99 

36  19 

46 

J.  C.  Burroughs, 

10 

1 

9 

1 

96 

42  80 

41 

Benj.  F.  Garfield,* 

9 

4 

4 

2 

2 

68 

48 

B.  F.  Garfield, 

3 

2 

4 

2 

66 

65  00 

49 

M.  Eastwood,*  Letter  8eut, 

8 

4 

7 

1 

69 

1850 

,  No  report. 

69 

51 

Alfred  Harvey, 

1 

6 

1 

1 

74 
74 

142  62 

52 

,  No  report, 

12  13 

WEST  STOCKBRIDGE  church,  Mass.,  const'd  in  1781. 


179(1 

.(Called  Stockb'ge  chh.) 

91 

,  No  pastor, 

93 

Samdel  Whelpley,  Jr., 

18 

94 

S.  Whelpley,  Jr.      (Called 

West  Stockbridge, 

44 

95 

S.  Whelpley,  Jr.,  M.  A., 

6 

96 

S.  Whelpley,  A.  M., 

5 

97 

S.  Whelpley,  A.  M.,* 

3 

98 

,  No  pastor. 

99 

Ebee  Moffitt, 

2 

1800 

E.  Moffitt,* 

7 

01 

,  No  pastor, 

02 

,  do       do 

1 

08 

,  do       do                        ' 

16; 
16j 

421 


SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


461 


WEST  STOCKBRIDGE,  church— continued. 


Pastors  and  Ministers. 


'Bap  I  S" 


04 

05 

06 

0 

08 

09 

1810 
11 
12 
13 
14i 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 

1820 
21 
22 

27 
28 
29 

1830 
31 

1843 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

1850 
51 
52 


,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor, 

,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor, 

Nathaniel  Culver, 
N.  Culver, 

,  No  pastor, 

,  do       do 

,  do       do 

,  do       do 

,  do       do 

Nathaniel  Otis, 

,  No  pastor  still, 

,  do       do 

— ,  No  report, 

— ,  No  pastor, 

— ,  do       do 

— ,  No  report  and  in  1823, 

dropped  from  the  minutes, 

— ,  Chh.  re-appeared, 

— ,  A  letter  sent, 

— ,  No  report, 
OasoN  Spencer,         [years, 

,(Disappeared  again  for 

Lewis  Selleck,* 
L.  Skllkck, 
L.  Selleck, 

,  No  report, 

A,  A.  Russell, 

A.  A.  Russell, 

T.  Benedict,  A.  A..Russell,* 

T.  Benedict, 

T.  Benedict, 

T.  Benedict, 


38 


o  a 


16 


67 

ei 

61 
58 
58 
72 
72 
72 
63 
70 
80 
78 
70 
60 
67 
67 
51 
50 


$1  GO 
2  25 

10  00 


16  00 
38  00 
15  00 
50  50 
88  00 
18  95 

24  14 
40  86 
65  46 

25  28 


WHITE  CREEK  church,  constituted  in  1799. 


1799 
1800 
01 
02 
03 
04 
05 
06 
07 


Israel  Craw.  (Called  Cam- 
J.  Craw,  [bridge  for  years,) 

,  No  report, 

,  No  pastor, 

,  do      do 

,  do       do 

James  Glass, 
J.  Glass, 
J.  Glass, 


27 

48 

12 

1 

1 

59 

11 

7 

6 

2 

81 

9 

1 

1 

1 

87 

2 

4 

5 

1 

80 

28 

2 

1 

1 

104 

8 

3 

2 

2 

106 

4 

10 

2 

97 

$9  88 
5  87 
4  87 

2  67 

3  00 


462 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION'. 


[appendix. 


WHITE  CREEK  church 

CONTINUED. 

£- 

tc 

Qlt 

ts 

O 

H 

Benevo 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

Bap 

1 

S5 

o 

Q 

S 

> 

LENT 

iiz'd 

V 

o' 

o' 

c' 

a 

f 

MONIEB. 

08 

J.  Glass, 

10 

4 

5 

2 

96 

09 

J.  Glass, 

14 

6 

1 

103 

6    57 

1810 

,  No  pastor, 

8 

6 

1 

104 

27  50 

11 

,  do       do 

23 

1 

3 

1 

122 

1   57 

12 

0.  Warren, 

14 

7 

3 

2 

112 

13 

0.  Warren, 

4 

3 

1 

4 

108 

6  00 

14 

0.  Warren, 

5 

6 

3 

4 

100 

3  00 

15 

0.  Warren, 

4 

3 

2 

3 

96 

8  81 

16 

,  Letter  sent, 

4 

4 

1 

95 

1   62 

17 

Daniel  Tinkiiam, 

27 

5 

2 

2 

113 

5  22 

18 

D.  TiNKHAM,             [Creek.) 

49 

4 

5 

2 

159 

9  14 

19 

D.  TiNKHAM.  (Ch.  called  W. 

1 

6 

1 

4 

2 

159 

4  00 

1820 

D.  TiNKHAM.   No  report, 

159 

8  52 

21 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

3 

7 

5 

3 

3 

128 

9  07 

22 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

51 

1 

1 

3 

2 

162 

8  54 

23 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

24 

5 

184 

7  39 

24 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

28 

3 

2 

8 

2 

199 

24  54 

25 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

2 

2 

12 

1 

3 

187 

12  25 

26 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

9 

8 

2 

5 

192 

8  86 

27 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

7 

3 

3 

202 

7  13 

28 

,  No  pastor. 

8 

18 

3 

2 

187 

29 

,  No  report  for  2  years, 

1831 

D.  TiNKHAM.    (In  the  Batt- 

111 

247 

15  70 

82 

D.  TiNKHAM,  [skill  Ass'n, 

12 

6 

6 

1 

2 

256 

33 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

1 

12 

1 

244 

11  56 

34 

D.  TiNKHAM,        [ion  Ass'n,) 

4 

5 

14 

6 

2 

231 

37  89 

35 

D.  TiNKHAM.  (In  Wash.  Un 

3 

1 

11 

16 

2 

203 

36 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

1 

8 

12 

1 

194 

7  71 

37 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

7 

1 

188 

19  09 

38 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

81 

5 

4 

4 

1 

3 

280 

24  50 

39 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

1 

6 

1 

6 

4 

4 

272 

53  78 

1840 

D.    TiNKHAM, 

1 

2 

5 

4 

4 

264 

27  56 

41 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

1 

1 

13 

2 

8 

220 

61  24 

42 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

1 

4 

3 

7 

207 

21  37 

43 

D.  TiNKHAM, 

CI 

4 

2 

3 

4 

1 

266 

22  25 

44 

D.  TiNKHAM,                      [ham,* 

5 

19 

3 

2 

248 

25  12 

45 

Samdkl  Pollard,*  D.  Tink- 

3 

69 

1 

12) 

14  64 

46 

S.  Pollard,  D.  Tinkham, 

2 

6 

5 

3 

1 

120 

35  00 

47 

D.  Tinkham, 

8 

1 

3 

108 

32  82 

48 

D.  Tinkham, 

6 

3 

99 

10  78 

49 

D.  Tinkham, 

2 

6 

2 

93 

89  ly 

1850 

D.  Tinkham, 

4 

6 

1 

1 

89 

12  94 

51 

D.  Tinkham, 

1 

1 

2 

1 

86 

17  20 

62 

D.  Tinkhah. 

1 

8 

1 

8 

75 

108  62 

53 

D.  Tinkham, 

I     1 

8 

— 

_2 

1 

70 

82  62 

SEC.  III.] 


CHURCHES  :    STATISTICS. 


463 


CAMBRIDGE  church,!  N.  Y.,  constituted  a.  d.  1843. 


td 

r 

fc 

o 

D 

t?3 

O 

H 

Monies 

A.    D. 

Pastors  and  Ministers. 

►8 

3 

CD 

o 

ri 

0 

^ 

FOR 

1 

j1 

& 

0 

o" 

O 

1 

t-i 

Benev. 

1844 

Levi  Parmlee.   In  Wash'tn. 

47 

$14  25 

45 

Charles  0.  Kimball,  [body. 

12 

7 

1 

51 

49  25 

46 

No  pastor, 

2 

6 

5 

1 

1 

5i2 

7  31 

47 

Wm.  Harris, 

1 

4 

3 

2 

62 

5  25 

48  E.  W.  Brownell, 

3 

2 

10 

2 

49 

12  00 

49  E.  "W.  Browneix. 

5 

2 

5 

51 

18  86 

1850 

No  pastor, 

2 

1 

7 

4 

1 

42 

3  50 

51 

J.  W.  Grant, 

1 

3 

40 

8  20 

52 

A.  G.  Bowles, 

2 

1 

41 

58lA.  B.  Stowell, 

5 

3 

7 

34 

14  25 

WILLIAMSTOWN  church,  Mass.,  const'd.  a.  d.  1794. 


1795 

No  pastor, 

16 

96 

" 

2 

18 

97 

No  changes  for  years. 

2 

1 

20 

98 

" 

18 

99 

<i 

18 

1800 

No  report 

18 

01 

18 

02 

Dvey  Stark, 

7 

2 

27 

03 

D.  Stark,* 

27 

04 

D.  Stark,* 

24 

06 

No  pastor, 

3 

2 

1 

24 

06 

,    .  _        " 

24 

IS 

Returned  (o  the  body. 

26 

14 

No  pastor. 

7 

2 

31 

15 

" 

6 

3 

34 

If. 

" 

1 

35 

17 

Kl 

* 

2 

33 

IS 

•              " 

2 

3] 

|6  or 

19 

Erastus  Dotv, 

9 

40 

1820 

E.  Doty, 

7 

3 

1 

1 

] 

47 

1    50 

21 

No  pastor, 

1 

1 

1 

1 

45 

94 

22 

" 

1 

■ 

] 

4.5 

23 

" 

1 

44 

24 

2 

39 

26 

No  informatiuM   for  yrs. 

4 

2 

46 

•29 

In  the   Berkshire  buly. 

2 

i 

1 

43 

10  in 

1830 

No  pastor,       [the  time. 

1 

1 

2 

1 

43 

8   14 

31 

Wakeman  G.  Johnso.v,  half 

3 

o 

44 

10  hD 

32 

W.  G.  Johnson,  i  iho  lime. 

16 

1 

58 

25  02 

33 

W.  G.  JOHSNON,            " 

9 

2 

2 

63 

20  96 

^'4 

David  Pease, 

.3 

4 

1 

3 

66 

9  66 

464 


SHAFTSBURY  ASSOCIATION. 


[appendix. 


WILLIAMSTOWN  church- 

—CONTINUED. 

Bap- 
tiz'd 

03 

P3 

"c" 

O 

ts 

C 

H 

Monies 

A.   D. 

Pastors  &  MiNlSTEES. 

Pi 

(0 

o 

►a 

o 

i 

o 

for 
bknkv't. 

35 

D.  Pease, 

10 

7 

2 

81 

13  29 

86 

Elnathan  Sweet,  ^  time. 

1 

4 

1 

77      26  67 

37 

Stephen  "Wright, 

JO 

2 

2 

87 

26  08 

88 

No  report, 

8(1 

2  75 

89 

Platt  Betts,*  No  report. 

80 

1340 

P.  Betts, 

7 

8 

1 

13 

3 

66 

10  18 

41 

P.  Betts,  half  the  time. 

1 

1 

1 

63 

89  32 

42 

E.  Sandys, 

1 

5 

70 

25  73 

43 

No  report, 

70 

7  50 

44 

E.  Dutch ER,* 

2 

2 

6i 

18  13 

45 

George  Lyle, 

12 

7 

6 

1 

73 

33  52 

46 

G.  Lyle, 

5 

4 

3 

1 

3 

76 

24  48 

47 

G.  Lyle,* 

1 

2 

75 

15   82 

48 

G.  Lyle, 

51 

2 

2 

2 

2 

123 

27  43 

49 

G.  Lyle, 

2 

,') 

1 

2 

117 

33  40 

1850 

H.  D.  Doolittle, 

2 

2 

8 

4 

109 

27  69 

51 

H.  D.  Doolittle, 

1 

6 

6 

1 

110      42  00 

52 

H.  D.  Doolittle, 

11  2 

11 

__ 

1 

2 

101    128   15 

FINIS. 


^ 


^ 


Date  Due 


^X6246  .S5W9 

History  of  the  Shaftsbury  Baptist 

Princeton  Theological  Semmary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00051   9878 


